DRG Category: 728

Mean LOS: 4.1 days

Description MEDICAL: Inflammation of the Male Reproductive System without Major CC

DRG Category: 758

Mean LOS: 5.9 days

Description MEDICAL: Infections, Female Reproductive System with CC

classification section:



Infection with Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States today, with approximately 5 million cases reported annually. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that from 1987 to 2006, the prevalence of chlamydial infections has risen from 50.8 to 347.8 per 100,000. While chlamydial infections are reportable in all 50 states, underreporting of this STI is substantial due to the number of individuals who may have the infection and not know it. Because 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydial infections are asymptomatic, they transmit the disease but are unaware that they harbor the bacteria. Untreated infections in women can result in cervicitis, endometritis, acute salpingitis, bartholinitis, irregular menses, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility. Untreated infections in men can result in nongonococcal urethritis (NGU), epididymitis, or prostatitis. Infections in either gender can result in proctitis, lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV), and, potentially, infertility and sterility.

During pregnancy, C. trachomatis may be transmitted from mother to fetus, which may cause premature rupture of the membranes, premature labor, and increased fetal morbidity and mortality. Pregnant women who deliver vaginally or by cesarean section can transmit the bacteria to their infants. These newborns can develop otitis media, conjunctivitis, blindness, meningitis, gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, and pneumonia. Because mothers are often asymptomatic, medical personnel are unaware that the maternal–infant transmission has occurred until infants become very ill.