Placental Abruption Remote From Term Associated With Q Fever Infection

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 

It has been suggested that Q fever infection in pregnancy is associated with various maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, including intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth, preterm delivery, intrauterine fetal death, and oligohydramnios.

CASE: 

We describe the cases of two pregnant women remote from term who presented with premature contractions and fever of unknown origin. During their hospitalizations, they had development of near-complete placental abruption. In both cases, immediate delivery ensued. Fever of unknown origin work-up revealed chronic Q fever infection, and polymerase chain reaction investigation of the placenta demonstrated chronic Q fever placentitis.

CONCLUSION: 

Q fever placentitis may result in placental abruption remote from term. Therefore, in endemic areas, the diagnosis of Q fever requires appropriate surveillance and prenatal care.

In Brief

Q fever infection during pregnancy may be associated with placental abruption remote from term.