Abstract
Objective This study aimed to determine if intrapartum placement of an intrauterine pressure
catheter (IUPC) is associated with an increased rate of surgical site infections in
women undergoing a cesarean delivery.
Study Design This was a secondary analysis of the prospective observational Maternal–Fetal Medicine
Units Network Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Registry. We compared patients with and
without IUPC use. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate for
an association between IUPC use and postcesarean surgical site infections.
Results The study included 16,887 women: 7,441 with IUPC use and 9,446 without IUPC use.
After adjustment for potential cofounders, IUPC use was associated with an increased
risk of postcesarean infections compared with those without IUPC use (adjusted odds
ratio: 1.28; 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.50; p = 0.002).
Conclusion IUPC use is associated with an increased risk of postcesarean surgical site infections.
This supports the judicious use of IUPC for limited clinical indications and provides
a potential area of focus for reduction in postcesarean infections.
Keywords
intrauterine pressure catheter - cesarean - surgical site infection - SSI - postoperative
