Acute pyelonephritis of pregnancy: A clinical review

Ninety-nine cases of acute pyelonephritis occurring in the antepartum period were selected for this retrospective study. The cases were divided into three groups depending upon the initial intravenous antibiotic administered. Maternal clinical response and possible adverse fetal effects were evaluated. Maternal response to therapy was rapid, 85% of the cases being afebrile within 48 hours after administration of therapy. It is emphasized that this does not necessarily indicate a “cure” as evidenced by a 30% positive culture rate in patients reevaluated at a later date. No adverse fetal or neonatal effects were evidenced either due to the therapy or the disease process.