• B J Polivka, J T Nickel, and J R Wilkins.
• College of Nursing, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
• J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 1997 Jul 1; 26 (4): 405-13.

ObjectiveTo assess a possible association of urinary tract infection (UTI) during pregnancy and cerebral palsy in offspring.DesignSecondary analysis of a case-control study using structured telephone interviews and birth certificate reviews.SettingCases from community-based agencies providing services to preschool children who were developmentally delayed.ParticipantsOne hundred twelve preschool children with cerebral palsy and 153 children without cerebral palsy.Main Outcome MeasuresRisk for cerebral palsy.ResultsThe prevalence of UTI among case mothers was 17.9% compared with 5.2% among control mothers. The crude odds ratio for risk of cerebral palsy for a mother with a UTI was 3.9, whereas the adjusted odds ratio was approximately 5, indicating that the risk of having a child with cerebral palsy was 4 to 5 times greater for mothers who had a UTI during pregnancy.ConclusionsUrinary tract infection during pregnancy was found to be a risk factor for development of cerebral palsy in offspring. Assessment for UTI should occur at the initial prenatal visit and more frequently for women with symptoms or who are at risk. Pregnant women should be educated about preventive measures for UTI. Future research is needed to assess more directly the relationship between UTI during pregnancy and cerebral palsy in offspring.

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