What is a key diagnostic criterion for chorioamnionitis?

The key diagnostic criterion for chorioamnionitis is a maternal temperature greater than or equal to 38°C. This elevated temperature indicates an inflammatory response, which is a common finding in chorioamnionitis, an infection of the chorion and amniotic fluid.

Chorioamnionitis is typically associated with maternal fever and, in many cases, other clinical signs such as tachycardia or uterine tenderness, but the presence of a fever above 38°C is considered a primary indicator of the infection. This term reflects the body’s reaction to infection, and when combined with other clinical symptoms, it can confirm the diagnosis.

Management of fetal heart rate is related to monitoring fetal well-being but does not serve as a direct diagnostic criterion for chorioamnionitis itself. Maternal tachycardia over 110 bpm can occur due to various factors, including infection, but it is not a definitive diagnostic sign of chorioamnionitis on its own. While a temperature above 39°C might suggest a more severe infection, the criterion for diagnosis is based on the threshold of 38°C.