Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy
Foreword Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy
William F. Rayburn, MD, MBA Consulting Editor
Infectious disease is the single most common medical condition encountered by the obstetrician. This issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America, edited by Dr Geeta Swamy, updates the subject of several infectious diseases encountered during pregnancy. The issue begins with an overview of maternal immunization and then reviews the most common infections considered to be particularly serious. Infections remain a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The unique maternal-fetal vascular connection in some cases serves to protect the fetus, while, in other instances, it provides a conduit for the vertical transmission of infectious agents to the vulnerable fetus. The mode of acquisition, gestational age at the time of exposure, and immunologic status of both the mother and her fetus influence disease outcome. Each article in this issue considers the epidemiology, pathogenesis, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of an individual infectious disease with which the obstetrician should be familiar. Certain disorders, such as urinary tract infections, wound infection, and mastitis, are principal concerns to the mother, while others, such as group B streptococcal, herpes simplex, and cytomegalovirus infections, pose a risk primarily to the fetus or newborn. Other conditions, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, viral hepatitis, suspected chorioamnionitis, mycoplasma and ureaplasma, and syphilis, can be more complex and can lead to serious morbidity for both the mother and the fetus or infant. Dr Swamy and her very capable group of accomplished authors have provided relevant information to offer contemporary strategies on each of these subjects. Their expertise and commitment to quality care and advancement of patient safety are
Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am 41 (2014) ix–x http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2014.09.002 0889-8545/14/$ – see front matter Ó 2014 Published by Elsevier Inc.
obgyn.theclinics.com
x
Foreword
exemplary. Practical evidence-based information provided herein will aid the reader in searching for timely guidelines. William F. Rayburn, MD, MBA Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development University of New Mexico School of Medicine MSC10 5580, 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA E-mail address: [email protected]
Foreword Infectious Diseases in Pregnancy
William F. Rayburn, MD, MBA Consulting Editor
Infectious disease is the single most common medical condition encountered by the obstetrician. This issue of Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America, edited by Dr Geeta Swamy, updates the subject of several infectious diseases encountered during pregnancy. The issue begins with an overview of maternal immunization and then reviews the most common infections considered to be particularly serious. Infections remain a major cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality worldwide. The unique maternal-fetal vascular connection in some cases serves to protect the fetus, while, in other instances, it provides a conduit for the vertical transmission of infectious agents to the vulnerable fetus. The mode of acquisition, gestational age at the time of exposure, and immunologic status of both the mother and her fetus influence disease outcome. Each article in this issue considers the epidemiology, pathogenesis, screening, diagnosis, and treatment of an individual infectious disease with which the obstetrician should be familiar. Certain disorders, such as urinary tract infections, wound infection, and mastitis, are principal concerns to the mother, while others, such as group B streptococcal, herpes simplex, and cytomegalovirus infections, pose a risk primarily to the fetus or newborn. Other conditions, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, viral hepatitis, suspected chorioamnionitis, mycoplasma and ureaplasma, and syphilis, can be more complex and can lead to serious morbidity for both the mother and the fetus or infant. Dr Swamy and her very capable group of accomplished authors have provided relevant information to offer contemporary strategies on each of these subjects. Their expertise and commitment to quality care and advancement of patient safety are
Obstet Gynecol Clin N Am 41 (2014) ix–x http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2014.09.002 0889-8545/14/$ – see front matter Ó 2014 Published by Elsevier Inc.
obgyn.theclinics.com
x
Foreword
exemplary. Practical evidence-based information provided herein will aid the reader in searching for timely guidelines. William F. Rayburn, MD, MBA Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development University of New Mexico School of Medicine MSC10 5580, 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA E-mail address: [email protected]
