All pregnant women should be screened for asymptomatic bacteriuria with urine culture, reiterates the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in its updated draft guidelines, which also continue to recommend against screening for asymptomatic bacteriuria in nonpregnant adults.

However, in these guidelines, the USPSTF has changed the grade for pregnant women one level, from an “A” to a “B”, based on new evidence that shows a significantly lower risk of pyelonephritis than found in previous reviews, leading to a reduction in the magnitude of benefit.

Grade A recommendation means that the USPSTF recommends the service. There is high certainty that the net benefit is substantial and suggests that this may be offered or provided.

Grade A recommendation means that the USPSTF recommends the service. There is high certainty that the net benefit is moderate or there is moderate certainty that the net benefit is moderate to substantial and suggests that this may be offered or provided.

The draft guidelines are posted on the USPSTF website.

(Source: USPSTF)

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Elect Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania   (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA