Critical Early Detection

"Undetected Fetal Diseases are Leading Causes of Perinatal Mortality" - Katharina S. Stewart, MD

"Bacterial chorioamnionitis is one of the leading causes of perinatal mortality and maternal morbidity. It is implicated as being the etiologic factor in up to 30% of all preterm deliveries in the United States and has recently been linked to the development of cerebral palsy.

Since many medical facilities do not possess the ability to rapidly assess amniotic fluid for infection, diagnosis of chorioamnionitis is primarily clinical, based on advanced signs of maternal and fetal sepsis. Once the patients become symptomatic, delivery of an already compromised infant is the only option.

By using exhalation analyte analysis, early onset of infection can non-invasively be diagnosed and intervention including the delivery of a minimally exposed infant can be affected."

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"Katharina S. Stewart, MD, is associate professor of medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Stewart serves as the Third Year Medical Student Clerkship Director and collaborates with translational research in medical complications of pregnancy."