Chorioamnionitis: implications for the neonate

Intrapartum pyrexia, cardiotocography traces and histologic chorioamnionitis: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To compare characteristics of labor, cardiotocography traces, and maternal and neonatal outcomes, in a cohort of pregnancies at term complicated by maternal intrapartum pyrexia, with or without a histologic diagnosis of chorioamnionitis.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study including pregnancies at term with detection of maternal intrapartum pyrexia, delivered between January 2020 and June 2021. Cardiotocography traces were entirely evaluated, since admission till delivery, and classified according to the International Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology (FIGO) guideline. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were also recorded as secondary outcomes. Placentas have been studied according to the Amniotic Fluid Infection Nosology Committee.

RESULTS

Forty four patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study cohort. There was a significant association between the use of oxytocin augmentation in labor and the histologic diagnosis of chorioamnionitis. A significative recurrence of loss and/or absence of accelerations at the point of pyrexia was also documented in women with histological chorioamnionitis compared to the others.

CONCLUSIONS

Chorioamnionitis appears to be associated with myometrial disfunction, as suggested by the increased use of oxytocin augmentation during active labor of women at term with intrapartum pyrexia and histologic diagnosis of chorioamnionitis.

Syndecan-1 Level, a Marker of Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation, Is Associated With Fetal Exposure to Chorioamnionitis and Is a Potential Biomarker for Early-Onset Neonatal Sepsis

The goal of this investigation was to identify the association between Syndecan-1 (S1) serum levels in preterm newborns exposed to chorioamnionitis (CA) in utero and the potential of S1 as a biomarker of early-onset neonatal sepsis. A cohort of preterm newborns born <33 weeks gestational age was recruited. Within 48 hours of birth, 0.5 mL of blood was drawn to obtain S1 levels, measured via ELISA. Placentas were examined and classified as having (1) no CA, (2) CA without umbilical cord involvement, or (3) CA with inflammation of the umbilical cord (funisitis). S1 levels were compared between preterm newborns without exposure to CA verus newborns with exposure to CA (including with and without funisitis). Preterm newborns exposed to CA were found to have significantly elevated S1 levels compared to those unexposed. Although S1 levels could not differentiate fetal exposure to CA from exposure to CA with funisitis, the combined CA groups had significantly higher S1 levels compared to those not exposed to CA. S1 level has the potential to become a clinically useful biomarker that could assist in the management of mothers and preterm newborns with CA and funisitis. Furthermore, S1 level could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of early-onset neonatal sepsis.

Histological chorioamnionitis and pathological stages on very preterm infant outcomes

AIMS

Histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) is a condition linked to preterm birth and neonatal infection and its relationship with various pathological stages in extremely preterm neonates, and with their associated short- and long-term consequences, remains a subject of research. This study investigated the connection between different pathological stages of HCA and both short-term complications and long-term outcomes in preterm infants born at or before 32 weeks of gestational age.

METHODS

Preterm infants born at ≤ 32 weeks of gestation who underwent placental pathology evaluation and were followed-up at 18-24 months of corrected age were included. Neonates were classified based on their exposure to HCA and were further subdivided into different groups according to maternal inflammatory responses (MIR) and fetal inflammatory responses (FIR) stages. We compared short-term complications during their hospital stay between the HCA-exposed and -unexposed groups and examined the influence of HCA stages on long-term outcomes.

RESULTS

The HCA group exhibited distinct characteristics such as higher rates of premature rupture of membranes > 18 h, reduced amniotic fluid, early-onset sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) grades III-IV (P < 0.05). The moderate-severe HCA group displayed lower gestational age, lower birth weight and higher incidence of IVH (grades III-IV) and preterm sepsis compared with the mild HCA group (P < 0.05). After adjusting for confounders, the MIR stages 2-3 group showed associations with cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy (P < 0.05), and the FIR stages 2-3 group also showed poor long-term outcomes and cognitive impairment (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-severe HCA was associated with increased early-onset sepsis, severe IVH and poor long-term outcomes, including cognitive impairment and cerebral palsy. Vigilant prevention strategies are warranted for severe HCA cases in order to mitigate poorer clinical outcomes.

Clinical chorioamnionitis at term: definition, pathogenesis, microbiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Clinical chorioamnionitis, the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units, is an antecedent of puerperal infection and neonatal sepsis. The condition is suspected when intrapartum fever is associated with two other maternal and fetal signs of local or systemic inflammation (eg, maternal tachycardia, uterine tenderness, maternal leukocytosis, malodorous vaginal discharge or amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia). Clinical chorioamnionitis is a syndrome caused by intraamniotic infection, sterile intraamniotic inflammation (inflammation without bacteria), or systemic maternal inflammation induced by epidural analgesia. In cases of uncertainty, a definitive diagnosis can be made by analyzing amniotic fluid with methods to detect bacteria (Gram stain, culture, or microbial nucleic acid) and inflammation (white blood cell count, glucose concentration, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, matrix metalloproteinase-8). The most common microorganisms are Ureaplasma species, and polymicrobial infections occur in 70% of cases. The fetal attack rate is low, and the rate of positive neonatal blood cultures ranges between 0.2% and 4%. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is the standard treatment to reduce neonatal sepsis. Treatment with ampicillin and gentamicin have been recommended by professional societies, although other antibiotic regimens, eg, cephalosporins, have been used. Given the importance of Ureaplasma species as a cause of intraamniotic infection, consideration needs to be given to the administration of antimicrobial agents effective against these microorganisms such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. We have used the combination of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole, which has been shown to eradicate intraamniotic infection with microbiologic studies. Routine testing of neonates born to affected mothers for genital mycoplasmas could improve the detection of neonatal sepsis. Clinical chorioamnionitis is associated with decreased uterine activity, failure to progress in labor, and postpartum hemorrhage; however, clinical chorioamnionitis by itself is not an indication for cesarean delivery. Oxytocin is often administered for labor augmentation, and it is prudent to have uterotonic agents at hand to manage postpartum hemorrhage. Infants born to mothers with clinical chorioamnionitis near term are at risk for early-onset neonatal sepsis and for long-term disability such as cerebral palsy. A frontier is the noninvasive assessment of amniotic fluid to diagnose intraamniotic inflammation with a transcervical amniotic fluid collector and a rapid bedside test for IL-8 for patients with ruptured membranes. This approach promises to improve diagnostic accuracy and to provide a basis for antimicrobial administration.

A Modern Look at the Development of Intrauterine Pneumonia in Premature Newborns: Literature Review

Infectious diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea and preventable neonatal diseases are common causes of death in children. Globally, neonatal mortality is 44% (2.9 million) annually, with up to 50% of babies dying within the first day of life. Pneumonia kills between 750000 and 1.2 million infants in the neonatal period each year in developing countries. Premature birth, pneumonia, and labor complications are common causes of neonatal mortality. The objective of the study is to present the general characteristics of congenital pneumonia, vitamin D deficiency and micronutrient deficiencies in premature infants. To date, numerous studies confirm the relationship between the inadequate supply of the body with macro- and microelements and the development of diseases of varying severity, including metabolic disorders. Based on this, primary screening, aimed at identifying metabolic disorders of macro- and microelements and further drug correction, should become the main concept for the management of patients in modern times.

Intrapartum Maternal Fever and Long-Term Infectious Morbidity of the Offspring

Maternal intrapartum fever can lead to various maternal and neonatal complications and is attributed to various etiologies including infectious and non-infectious processes. In this study, we evaluated whether intrapartum fever affects the offspring's tendency to long-term infectious morbidity. A population-based cohort analysis including deliveries between 1991 and 2021 was conducted. The incidence of hospitalizations of the offspring up to the age of 18 years, due to various infectious conditions, was compared between pregnancies complicated by intrapartum fever and those that were not. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to assess cumulative hospitalization incidence. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders. Overall, 538 of the 356,356 included pregnancies were complicated with fever. A higher rate of pediatric hospitalizations due to various infectious conditions was found among the exposed group, which was significant for viral, fungal and ENT infections (p < 0.05 for all). The total number of infectious-related hospitalizations was significantly higher (30.1% vs. 24.1%; OR = 1.36; p = 0.001), as was the cumulative incidence of hospitalizations. This association remained significant after controlling for confounders using a Cox proportional hazards model (adjusted HR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.04-1.41, p = 0.016). To conclude, fever diagnosed close to delivery may influence offspring susceptibility to pediatric infections.

Predicting chorioamnionitis in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes using inflammatory indexes: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

The prognosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) combined with chorioamnionitis is often unsatisfactory for both mother and newborn. Although tragic outcomes can be avoided if treated early, no effective prediction method for decision-making is available currently. This study aimed to establish an effective method with maternal inflammation indexes to predict preterm premature rupture of membranes with concomitant chorioamnionitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study examined the data of 206 singleton PPROM cases and 60 normal full-term cases. The PPROM cases included 93 cases of PPROM with chorioamnionitis and 113 cases of PPROM without chorioamnionitis based on clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, and histopathological diagnosis. Normal full-term cases were included as the control group. Peripheral blood levels of selected inflammatory indicators were observed 12 h after fetal membrane rupture. Associations between selected inflammatory indicators and chorioamnionitis diagnosis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Selected factors except for procalcitonin predicted chorioamnionitis in PPROM patients. Combined results of C-reactive protein and white blood cell (WBC) count showed best predictive ability with area under curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.702, 60.22%, and 76.11%, respectively. Furthermore including Interleukine-6 and neutrophil count provided similar predictive results.

CONCLUSIONS

The best predictive factor combinations for PPROM-CAM were C-reactive protein and white blood cell count. Results of this study provide a useful clinical reference for PPROM-CAM and may improve maternal and infant prognostic outcomes.

Association of clinical signs of chorioamnionitis with histological chorioamnionitis and neonatal outcomes

BACKGROUND

Chorioamnionitis is a risk factor for fetal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, predicting histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) and neonatal outcomes using clinical parameters could be helpful in management and preventing morbidities.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if parameters of clinical chorioamnionitis (CCA) would be associated with HCA and neonatal outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

In this cohort study using a retrospective design, we analyzed the performance of signs of CCA in predicting HCA, and neonatal outcomes. Data were extracted from the electronic health record for all neonates with documented CCA delivered at our institution from 2011 to 2016. We compared our findings based on the old ACOG definition of CCA and the new definition released in 2017 - maternal fever plus any of fetal tachycardia, maternal leukocytosis, and purulent vaginal discharge. Maternal tachycardia and uterine tenderness were removed from the new criteria. Neonatal laboratory samples on admission, 12 h and 24 h were used to define the three time points of neonatal suspected sepsis.

RESULTS

There were 530 mothers-infant dyads with chorioamnionitis. Seventy-three were preterm, and 457 were term. Eighty-eight percent of the preterm mothers had CCA, and HCA was present in 62.5% of 72 preterm placentas. Preterm infants with placental HCA significantly had lower birth weight, gestational age, placental weight, and more infants with lower 5-minute Apgar scores, compared to those with no HCA. In preterm infants, maternal urinary tract infection was significantly associated with decreased odds for HCA (OR 0.22, CI 0.10 - 0.71). More preterm babies with suspected sepsis criteria at the 3 time points had HCA (all p ≤ .01). In the term cohort, 95.4% and 65.6% had CCA and HCA, respectively. In term infants (n = 457), maternal leukocytosis (p = .002) and prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM; p = 002) were associated with HCA. Suspected sepsis was associated with PROM (p = .04), HCA (p = .0001), and maternal leukocytosis (p ≤ .05) in at least 1 of the 3 time points.

CONCLUSION

Though maternal leukocytosis was significantly associated with the presence of HCA in the term cohort, there were no CCA criteria that accurately predicted presence of HCA in either the preterm or the term infants.

Streptococcus agalactiae cadD alleviates metal stress and promotes intracellular survival in macrophages and ascending infection during pregnancy

Perinatal infection with Streptococcus agalactiae, or Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is associated with preterm birth, neonatal sepsis, and stillbirth. Here, we study the interactions of GBS with macrophages, essential sentinel immune cells that defend the gravid reproductive tract. Transcriptional analyses of GBS-macrophage co-cultures reveal enhanced expression of a gene encoding a putative metal resistance determinant, cadD. Deletion of cadD reduces GBS survival in macrophages, metal efflux, and resistance to metal toxicity. In a mouse model of ascending infection during pregnancy, the ΔcadD strain displays attenuated bacterial burden, inflammation, and cytokine production in gestational tissues. Furthermore, depletion of host macrophages alters cytokine expression and decreases GBS invasion in a cadD-dependent fashion. Our results indicate that GBS cadD plays an important role in metal detoxification, which promotes immune evasion and bacterial proliferation in the pregnant host.

Animal Models of Chorioamnionitis: Considerations for Translational Medicine

Preterm birth is defined as any birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation by the World Health Organization. Preterm birth is responsible for perinatal mortality and long-term neurological morbidity. Acute chorioamnionitis is observed in 70% of premature labor and is associated with a heavy burden of multiorgan morbidities in the offspring. Unfortunately, chorioamnionitis is still missing effective biomarkers and early placento- as well as feto-protective and curative treatments. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of chorioamnionitis and subsequent impacts on the pregnancy outcome, both during and beyond gestation. This review also describes relevant and current animal models of chorioamnionitis used to decipher associated mechanisms and develop much needed therapies. Improved knowledge of the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning chorioamnionitis based on preclinical models is a mandatory step to identify early in utero diagnostic biomarkers and design novel anti-inflammatory interventions to improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.

Controversies in treatment practices of the mother-infant dyad at the limit of viability

In the setting of threatened extreme preterm birth, balancing maternal and fetal risks and benefits in order to choose the best available treatment options is of utmost importance. Inconsistency in treatment practices for infants born between 22 and 24 weeks of gestatotional age may account for inter-hospital variation in survival rates with and without impairment. Most importantly, non-biased and accurate information must be presented to the family as soon as extremely preterm birth is suspected, including counseling on morbidities and mortality associated with delivery at the limits of viability. This review will focus on different therapeutic medical and surgical practices available for threatened extremely preterm birth to improve fetal and maternal outcomes while highlighting the importance of patient-centered approaches.

Chorioamnionitis, Inflammation and Neonatal Apnea: Effects on Preterm Neonatal Brainstem and on Peripheral Airways: Chorioamnionitis and Neonatal Respiratory Functions

Background: The present manuscript aims to be a narrative review evaluating the association between inflammation in chorioamnionitis and damage on respiratory centers, peripheral airways, and lungs, explaining the pathways responsible for apnea in preterm babies born by delivery after chorioamnionitis. Methods: A combination of keywords and MESH words was used, including: "inflammation", "chorioamnionitis", "brainstem", "cytokines storm", "preterm birth", "neonatal apnea", and "apnea physiopathology". All identified papers were screened for title and abstracts by the two authors to verify whether they met the proper criteria to write the topic. Results: Chorioamnionitis is usually associated with Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS), resulting in injury of brain and lungs. Literature data have shown that infections causing chorioamnionitis are mostly associated with inflammation and consequent hypoxia-mediated brain injury. Moreover, inflammation and infection induce apneic episodes in neonates, as well as in animal samples. Chorioamnionitis-induced inflammation favors the systemic secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are involved in abnormal development of the respiratory centers in the brainstem and in alterations of peripheral airways and lungs. Conclusions: Preterm birth shows a suboptimal development of the brainstem and abnormalities and altered development of peripheral airways and lungs. These alterations are responsible for reduced respiratory control and apnea. To date, mostly animal studies have been published. Therefore, more clinical studies on the role of chorioamninitis-induced inflammation on prematurity and neonatal apnea are necessary.

Choosing placental hypoxic-ischemic measures that have clinical implications in child development and diseases

PURPOSE

Placental hypoxic-ischemic pathology is one of the common causes for adverse outcomes. But there is no commonly accepted evaluation system on specific morphological and histopathological measures of the placenta.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to systematically select several core placental hypoxic-ischemic measures that have a high prognostic relevance to child health.

METHODS

We used data from the Collaborative Perinatal Project, a multicenter prospective cohort study that recruited over 55,000 pregnant women and followed their offspring to 7 years old. Women who had information on placental pathology and child outcomes were included. 57 placental measures considered to be relevant to hypoxia-ischemia were selected. Apgar score, intelligence quotient, preeclampsia, birth weight and subclinical neurology injuries were chosen as outcomes. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) procedure as well as training and testing methods were used to select a more efficient and simpler placental hypoxic-ischemic measures that may have clinical implications.

RESULTS

Of the 57 measures, 7 were selected as candidates by LASSO. Based on the training and testing methods, we retained placental measures with a higher odds ratio of child morbidity. We further narrowed down to four measures that had the highest prognostic relevance. They were: short cord length (ΣOR = 8.51), calcification of cut surface (ΣOR = 8.31), opaque membranes (ΣOR = 5.26), Hofbauer cells in terminal villi (ΣOR = 4.69).

CONCLUSIONS

Our four-measure system is relatively simple and closely related to the child health. It may be used as a novel placental hypoxic-ischemic evaluation criterion, and function as the first line tool for future research.

Differential impact of abnormal vaginal colonization on perinatal outcome and association with early-onset neonatal sepsis: preterm labor vs. preterm premature rupture of membrane

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to check whether the impact of abnormal vaginal colonization on perinatal outcomes would be different in patients with preterm labor (PTL) and premature membrane rupture (PPROM). We also sought to determine the concordance rate of microorganisms isolated from the maternal vagina and neonatal blood in cases of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) in PTL and PPROM.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 996 singleton pregnancies who were admitted to the high risk care unit of our institution due to PTL (n = 519) or PPROM (n = 477) and underwent vaginal culture examination at admission between January 2005 and April 2019. Abnormal vaginal colonization was defined upon isolation of aerobic microorganisms. The maternal baseline characteristics, delivery, and neonatal outcomes were compared according to the presence or absence of abnormal vaginal flora, both in PTL and PPROM.

RESULTS

The rate of abnormal vaginal colonization in PTL and PPROM was 17.0 and 21.4%, respectively. Both in PTL and PPROM, the gestational age at admission was lower in the abnormal vaginal colonization group (PTL, 27.2 ± 3.5 vs. 28.2 ± 3.5 weeks, p = .024; PPROM, 26.1 ± 5.3 vs. 27.5 ± 4.5 weeks, p = .007). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the group with abnormal bacteria in PPROM but not in PTL had a significantly higher rate of EONS than the group without abnormal bacteria after adjustment for confounders including gestational age at admission (PPROM, odds ratio, OR [95% confidence interval, CI]: 4.172 [1.426-12.206]; PTL, OR [95% CI]: 0.661 [0.079-5.505]). Concordance analysis showed that the maternal vaginal bacteria colonization by Escherichia coli (5.9 vs. 0.5%, p = .033) and Staphylococcus aureus (14.3 vs. 0.2%, p = .032) in PPROM was significantly correlated with the microorganisms from the neonatal blood culture EONS cases. In PTL, no specific microorganisms showed concordance between maternal vaginal bacteria and microorganisms causing EONS.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed that maternal vaginal colonization in PPROM, but not in PTL, is an independent risk factor for EONS.

Prognostic Markers for Chorioamnionitis: IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 in Vaginally Obtained Amniotic Fluid

Background. Earlier chorioamnionitis diagnosis is crucial to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate the inlerleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP-8) levels in vaginally obtained amniotic fluid to investigate their prognostic value and to determine the most appropriate cut-off values for the prediction of chorioamnionitis. Methods. This case control study included women who were diagnosed with preterm premature rupture of the membranes before 34 weeks of gestation and were admitted to Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos. Free-leaking amniotic fluid was obtained vaginally with a sterile speculum less than 48h before delivery. Amniotic fluid IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 levels were determined by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Diagnosis of chorioamnionitis was confirmed by histological examination of the placenta and membranes after delivery. Results. The study included 156 women, 65 patients in the histological chorioamnionitis group (Group I) and 91 in a group without diagnosed histological chorioamnionitis (Group II). The median concentrations of IL-6, MMP-8, and TNF-α in amniotic fluid were statistically significantly higher in Group I than in Group II (p-value < 0.001). The area under the curve of TNF-α and MMP-8 were higher than the area under the curve of IL-6 (0.91, 0.89, and 0.81, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found when comparing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of TNF-α and MMP-8. The optimum cut-off values for the prediction of chorioamnionitis were found to be 1389.82 pg/mL for IL-6, 21.17 pg/mL for TNF-α, and 172.53 ng/mL for MMP-8. The sensitivity, specificity, positive prognostic value (PPV), and negative prognostic value (NPV) of the IL-6 cut-off for chorioamnionitis were 88%, 70%, 67%, and 89%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the TNF-α cut-off were 88%, 84%, 79%, and 90%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of the MMP-8 cut-off were 80%, 87%, 81%, and 86%, respectively. Conclusions. The vaginally obtained amniotic fluid IL-6, MMP-8, and TNF-α seem to be good predictors for chorioamnionitis of patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes before 34 weeks of gestation. The noninvasive technique of sampling amniotic fluid could be alternative method to invasive amniocentesis.

Placental origins of neonatal diseases: toward a precision medicine approach

The placenta is the single most reliable source for precise information on intrauterine environment, as well as maternal and fetal health. It mediates the physiology of two distinct yet highly interconnected individuals. The pathology that develops in the placenta, and the adaptations the placenta undergoes to mitigate this pathology, may influence the later life health of the mother and baby. Pathological placental examination provides a unique opportunity to explore and understand the intrauterine environment, as well as providing a record of events that may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A number of placental lesions have been described in association with various neonatal morbidities. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for the association of placental pathologic lesions with neurodevelopmental outcomes infants with specific neonatal morbidities, including (1) neonatal encephalopathy, (2) bronchopulmonary dysplasia, (3) congenital heart diseases, and (4) autism spectrum disorders. For each of these disease processes, we will also propose specific research priorities in future studies. We conclude with a hospital-specific protocol for triaging which placentas should receive histological evaluation as a fundamental first step for the field of neuroplacentology to guide precision-based therapeutic approaches in the affected newborns. IMPACT: The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for placental origins of neonatal diseases. We propose specific research priorities in the field of neuroplacentology in future studies. We also present a targeted hospital-based approach for triaging which placentas should receive histological evaluation.

Management of clinical chorioamnionitis: an evidence-based approach

This review aimed to examine the existing evidence about interventions proposed for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis, with the goal of developing an evidence-based contemporary approach for the management of this condition. Most trials that assessed the use of antibiotics in clinical chorioamnionitis included patients with a gestational age of ≥34 weeks and in labor. The first-line antimicrobial regimen for the treatment of clinical chorioamnionitis is ampicillin combined with gentamicin, which should be initiated during the intrapartum period. In the event of a cesarean delivery, patients should receive clindamycin at the time of umbilical cord clamping. The administration of additional antibiotic therapy does not appear to be necessary after vaginal or cesarean delivery. However, if postdelivery antibiotics are prescribed, there is support for the administration of an additional dose. Patients can receive antipyretic agents, mainly acetaminophen, even though there is no clear evidence of their benefits. Current evidence suggests that the administration of antenatal corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation and of magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection to patients with clinical chorioamnionitis between 24 0/7 and 33 6/7 weeks of gestation, and possibly between 23 0/7 and 23 6/7 weeks of gestation, has an overall beneficial effect on the infant. However, delivery should not be delayed to complete the full course of corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate. Once the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis has been established, delivery should be considered, regardless of the gestational age. Vaginal delivery is the safer option and cesarean delivery should be reserved for standard obstetrical indications. The time interval between the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis and delivery is not related to most adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Patients may require a higher dose of oxytocin to achieve adequate uterine activity or greater uterine activity to effect a given change in cervical dilation. The benefit of using continuous electronic fetal heart rate monitoring in these patients is unclear. We identified the following promising interventions for the management of clinical chorioamnionitis: (1) an antibiotic regimen including ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole that provides coverage against the most commonly identified microorganisms in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis; (2) vaginal cleansing with antiseptic solutions before cesarean delivery with the aim of decreasing the risk of endometritis and, possibly, postoperative wound infection; and (3) antenatal administration of N-acetylcysteine, an antioxidant and antiinflammatory agent, to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. Well-powered randomized controlled trials are needed to assess these interventions in patients with clinical chorioamnionitis.

Risk factors for neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely preterm premature rupture of membranes: a retrospective study

Background

Determination of the optimal timing for termination of pregnancy in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) during the extremely preterm period is still difficult. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major disease widely taken into account when determining the prognosis of respiratory disorders in a neonate. Many aspects of this disease remain unclear. With the aim of further improving the prognosis of neonates born to mothers with pPROM, this study examined cases who were diagnosed with pPROM before 28 weeks of gestation. The study analysed risk factors for neonatal BPD.

Methods

This study included 73 subjects with singleton pregnancy, diagnosed with pPROM during the gestational period from 22 weeks and 0 days to 27 weeks and 6 days. The following factors were retrospectively examined: the gestational week at which pPROM was diagnosed, the gestational week at which delivery occurred, the period for which the volume of amniotic fluid was maintained, and neonatal BPD as a complication. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were conducted to analyse the relationship of the onset of BPD with the duration of oligohydramnios and the gestational weeks of delivery.

Results

The mean gestational week at which a diagnosis of amniorrhexis was made was 24.5 ± 1.9 weeks (mean ± SD), and that at which delivery occurred was 27.0 ± 3.0 weeks. Fifty-seven cases (78.1%) were diagnosed with oligohydramnios, the mean duration of which was 17.4 ± 20.5 days. The mean birth weight of neonates was 1000 ± 455 g, of which 49 (67.1%) were diagnosed with BPD following birth. No neonates died in this study. The ROC curve indicated that the cut-off values for the duration of oligohydramnios and gestational age at delivery were 4 days and 24.1 weeks, respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that the duration of oligohydramnios for more than 4 days before delivery and preterm delivery at less than 24.1 weeks were risk factors for the onset of BPD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that duration of oligohydramnios for more than 4 days before delivery and preterm delivery less than 24.1 weeks are risk factors for BPD in cases who are diagnosed with pPROM before 28 weeks of gestation.

ABCA1 plays an anti-inflammatory role by affecting TLR4 at the feto-maternal interface

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the function and pathway of ATP-binding cassette transporter member A1 (ABCA1)-induced anti-inflammatory response in cells at the feto-maternal interface.

MAIN METHODS

The primary amniotic mesenchymal cells (AMCs), chorion cells and decidual cells were isolated from placental membranes of women with uncomplicated pregnancies at full-term (not in labor) using enzymatic digestion. Flow cytometry was used to measure the purity of isolated cells. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to detect the location of ABCA1 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). Reverse transcription PCR and western blotting analyses were used to examine ABCA1, TLR4 and inflammatory factor expression in primary cells. ELISA was used to detect cytokine secretions from the primary cells.

KEY FINDINGS

ABCA1 and TLR4 were mainly located in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm of feto-maternal interface cells. ABCA1 expression remained the highest in chorion cells, medium in decidual cells, and weakest in AMCs. Upregulated expression of ABCA1 decreased expression of TLR4 and the levels of pro-inflammatory factors, but increased cytoprotective factors in all cell types. In contrast, downregulated expression of ABCA1 increased the expression of TLR4 and pro-inflammatory factors, but decreased the levels of cytoprotective factors. Downregulated ABCA1 expression followed by decreased TLR4 expression using a small interference RNA (siRNA) induced reduction of interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in all cell types.

SIGNIFICANCE

ABCA1 at feto-maternal interface acts as an anti-inflammatory role by reducing the expression of TLR4 in uncomplicated pregnancies. ABCA1 might be a potential therapeutic target for preventing gestational diseases.

Perinatal inflammation is associated with social and motor impairments in preterm children without severe neonatal brain injury

OBJECTIVE

To test the association between exposure to perinatal inflammation - i.e. clinical chorioamnionitis or early-onset neonatal infection - in preterm children without severe neonatal brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcome at 30 months of corrected age (CA).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study from a French regional cohort of clinical follow-up (SEVE Network).

PATIENTS

One hundred sixty-four surviving neonates without severe brain injury - namely, grade III and IV cerebral hemorrhage and cystic periventricular leukomalacia - and without late-onset neonatal inflammation exposure - namely, late-onset neonatal infection and necrotizing enterocolitis -, born at less than 33 weeks of gestational age from November 2011 to June 2015 and enrolled in the SEVE Network.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Global developmental quotient (DQ) score of the revised Brunet-Lézine scale and its four indices measured by the same neuropsychologist at 30 months of CA.

RESULTS

After multivariate analysis, exposure to perinatal inflammation was not found significantly associated with a modification of the global DQ score (coefficient -1.7, 95% CI -4.8 to 1.3; p = 0.26). Exposure to perinatal inflammation was associated with a decrease of the gross motor function DQ score (coefficient -6.0, 95% CI -9.9 to -2.1; p < 0.01) and a decrease of the sociability DQ score (coefficient -5.1, 95% CI -9.2 to -0.9; p = 0.02). Language and visuospatial coordination DQ scores were not affected by exposure to perinatal inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to perinatal inflammation in preterm children without severe neonatal brain injury is independently associated with decreased motor and social abilities at 30 months of CA.

Postnatal Gut Immunity and Microbiota Development Is Minimally Affected by Prenatal Inflammation in Preterm Pigs

Chorioamnionitis (CA), resulting from intra-amniotic inflammation, is a frequent cause of preterm birth and exposes the immature intestine to bacterial toxins and/or inflammatory mediators before birth via fetal swallowing. This may affect intestinal immune development, interacting with the effects of enteral feeding and gut microbiota colonization just after birth. Using preterm pigs as model for preterm infants, we hypothesized that prenatal exposure to gram-negative endotoxin influences postnatal bacterial colonization and gut immune development. Pig fetuses were given intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 3 days before preterm delivery by cesarean section and were compared with littermate controls (CON) at birth and after 5 days of formula feeding and spontaneous bacterial colonization. Amniotic fluid was collected for analysis of leukocyte counts and cytokines, and the distal small intestine was analyzed for endotoxin level, morphology, and immune cell counts. Intestinal gene expression and microbiota were analyzed by transcriptomics and metagenomics, respectively. At birth, LPS-exposed pigs showed higher intestinal endotoxin, neutrophil/macrophage density, and shorter villi. About 1.0% of intestinal genes were affected at birth, and DMBT1, a regulator of mucosal immune defense, was identified as the hub gene in the co-expression network. Genes related to innate immune response (TLR2, LBP, CD14, C3, SFTPD), neutrophil chemotaxis (C5AR1, CSF3R, CCL5), and antigen processing (MHC II genes and CD4) were also affected, and expression levels correlated with intestinal neutrophil/macrophage density and amniotic fluid cytokine levels. On day 5, LPS and CON pigs showed similar sensitivity to necrotizing enterocolitis, endotoxin levels, morphology, immune cell counts, gene expressions, and microbiota composition (except for difference in some low-abundant species). Our results show that CA markedly affects intestinal genes at preterm birth, including genes related to immune cell infiltration. However, a few days later, following the physiological adaptations to preterm birth, CA had limited effects on intestinal structure, function, gene expression, bacterial colonization, and necrotizing enterocolitis sensitivity. We conclude that short-term, prenatal intra-amniotic inflammation is unlikely to exert marked effects on intestinal immune development in preterm neonates beyond the immediate neonatal period.

Metabolic acidosis rather than hypo/hypercapnia in the first 72 hours of life associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates

Aim: Safe limits of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) and acidosis in premature infants are not well defined. Both respiratory and systemic illness along with center-specific ventilation strategies contribute to PaCO₂ fluctuations and acid-base imbalances during the critical time period of first 72 h of life. This study evaluated the association between early blood gas parameters and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants.Methods: This retrospective observational study included neonates with a gestational age (GA) of ≤29 wks, who had at least 7 blood gas analysis done within the first 72 h of life. By adjusting for known variables that predispose to IVH, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to study the association of PaCO₂ and acid-base measures with the risk of IVH.Results: Between 2013-2016, among 272 neonates who met inclusion criteria and were assessed for IVH on cranial ultrasound within first week of life, 101 neonates [mean GA of 25 ± 1.5 wks] had IVH and 171 neonates [mean GA of 25 ± 1.6 wks] had normal scans. After adjustment for confounding variables, higher values of maximum lactate (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.1-1.3, p < .0001) and maximum base deficit (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.1-1.2, p < .0001) within 72 h of life increased the likelihood of any grade of IVH. However, time-weighted average PaCO₂, maximum and minimum PaCO₂ had no statistically significant effect on the risk of IVH. The relationship remained unchanged even when moderate-severe IVH was considered as the primary outcome.Conclusion: Severe metabolic acidosis rather than hypo/hypercapnia during the first 72 h of life was associated with higher odds of IVH in infants born at ≤29 wks of gestation. Future studies determining levels of PaCO₂ that is safe for premature brain would need to control for the metabolic component of acidosis.

An Institutional Approach to the Management of Asymptomatic Chorioamnionitis-Exposed Infants Born ≥35 Weeks Gestation

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Our newborn practice routinely treated asymptomatic chorioamnionitis-exposed infants born at 35 weeks gestation or greater with empiric antibiotics. Starting April 1, 2017, we implemented an algorithm of not treating, unless there was an abnormal clinical and/or laboratory evaluation. The goal of this quality improvement initiative was to reduce the percentage of chorioamnionitis-exposed infants treated with antibiotics (primary outcome measure) to <50%.

Histological chorioamnionitis, antenatal steroids, and neonatal outcomes in very low birth weight infants: A nationwide study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether some associations between histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) and favorable neonatal outcomes might be linked to those of antenatal steroids (AS) by determining the separate as well as the combined associations of HCA and AS with neonatal outcomes in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs).

Methods

This was a population-based study of VLBWIs born at 20–33 weeks’ gestation between January 2013 and December 2015 from the Korean Neonatal Network. A total of 4652 VLBWIs were enrolled for prevalence study. Of these, 2900 singleton VLBWIs were used for outcome analyses to evaluate individual associations of HCA and AS simultaneously with correction for potential perinatal factors and an interaction term of HCA and AS.

Results

The overall prevalence of HCA was 34.9% (1623 VLBWIs). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that HCA was associated with decreased mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29–0.91; P = 0.022), AS were associated with reduction in mortality (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.39–0.90; P = 0.014) and neonatal seizure (aOR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37–0.86; P = 0.008), and a combination of HCA and AS was associated with remarkably lowered severe intraventricular hemorrhage by interacting with each other (aOR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.25–0.88; P = 0.019).

Conclusions

We suggest that in VLBWIs HCA and AS may be favorable independent factors for neonatal outcome and may also work in synergy for neuroprotection.

Diagnostic Validity of the Proposed Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Criteria for Intrauterine Inflammation or Infection

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the test characteristics of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) criteria for intrauterine inflammation or infection or both (triple I) and rates of adverse outcomes in a cohort of febrile intrapartum women.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included women at 24 weeks of gestation or greater from June 2015 to September 2017 at a single tertiary hospital with a temperature 100.4°F or greater (38.0°C) during labor or within 1 hour postpartum, all of whom had blood culture data. Women with a fetal demise, expectantly managed preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, or nonobstetric infections were excluded. Documented fever was defined as a single temperature 102.2°F or greater (39.0°C) or a temperature 100.4°F or greater (38.0°C) but less than 102.2°F (39.0°C) on two measurements 45 minutes apart. We defined two analysis groups: 1) suspected triple I, defined as women with documented fever with clinical signs of infection; and 2) isolated maternal fever, defined as women with at least one temperature 100.4°F or greater (38.0°C) who did not meet criteria for suspected triple I. We assessed test characteristics of suspected triple I to predict 1) confirmed triple I, defined as suspected triple I with placental pathology diagnostic of infection; and 2) adverse clinical infectious outcome, defined as a composite of maternal and neonatal adverse infectious outcomes. We also calculated the incidence of adverse clinical infectious outcomes for both groups.

RESULTS

Three hundred thirty-nine women were analyzed: 212 with suspected triple I and 127 with isolated maternal fever. Baseline demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar between groups. The incidence of adverse clinical infectious outcomes was 11.8% among women with suspected triple I and 9.5% among women with isolated maternal fever (P=.50). The sensitivity and specificity of suspected triple I for confirmed triple I were 71.4% (95% CI 61.4-80.1%) and 40.5% (95% CI 33.6-47.8%), respectively, and for an adverse clinical infectious outcome were 67.6% (95% CI 50.2-82.0%) and 38.1% (95% CI 32.6-43.8%), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Applying the NICHD criteria to guide clinical diagnosis and management of intrauterine infection or inflammation may overlook an important proportion of laboring febrile women at risk for adverse infectious outcomes.

Oxidative stress - Related spontaneous preterm delivery challenges in causality determination, prevention and novel strategies in reduction of the sequelae

Spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) is one of the major complications of pregnancy and the main cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Despite the efforts devoted to the understanding of this obstetrical syndrome and improved medical care, there has been a tendency for the PTB rate to increase in the last decades globally. The costs of the screening for spontaneous PTB, its management, and treatment of the sequelae represent a major burden to the health service economy of high-income countries. In this scenario, it has been widely acknowledged that oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathogenicity of human disease in wide range of areas of medicine. There is an emerging evidence that an imbalance between pro-and-antioxidants may be associated with spontaneous PTB. However, there are still many controversies on the mechanisms by which OS are involved in the pathogenesis of prematurity. Moreover, the crucial question whether the OS is the cause or consequence of the disease is yet to be answered. The purpose of this article is to briefly summarize the current knowledge and controversies on oxidative stress-related spontaneous PTB and to give a critical approach on future perspectives on this topic as a classical example of translational medicine. Placenta-mediated pregnancy adverse outcome associated with OS leading to iatrogenic PTB (e.g. pre-eclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes) will not be discussed.

Gut and immune effects of bioactive milk factors in preterm pigs exposed to prenatal inflammation

Prenatal inflammation may predispose to preterm birth and postnatal inflammatory disorders such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Bioactive milk ingredients may help to support gut maturation in such neonates, but mother's milk is often insufficient after preterm birth. We hypothesized that supplementation with bioactive ingredients from bovine milk [osteopontin (OPN), caseinoglycomacropeptide (CGMP), colostrum (COL)] supports gut, immunity, and NEC resistance in neonates born preterm after gram-negative infection before birth. Using preterm pigs as a model for preterm infants, fetal pigs were given intraamniotic injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 mg/fetus) and delivered 3 days later (90% gestation). For 5 days, groups of LPS-exposed pigs were fed formula (FOR), bovine colostrum (COL), or formula enriched with OPN or CGMP. LPS induced intraamniotic inflammation and postnatal systemic inflammation but limited effects on postnatal gut parameters and NEC. Relative to FOR, COL feeding to LPS-exposed pigs showed less diarrhea, NEC severity, reduced gut IL-1β and IL-8 levels, greater gut goblet cell density and digestive enzyme activities, and blood helper T-cell fraction. CGMP improved neonatal arousal and gut lactase activities and reduced LPS-induced IL-8 secretion in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in vitro. Finally, OPN tended to reduce diarrhea and stimulated IEC proliferation in vitro. No effects on villus morphology, circulating cytokines, or colonic microbiota were observed among groups. In conclusion, bioactive milk ingredients exerted only modest effects on gut and systemic immune parameters in preterm pigs exposed to prenatal inflammation. Short-term, prenatal exposure to inflammation may render the gut less sensitive to immune-modulatory milk effects. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Prenatal inflammation is a risk factor for preterm birth and postnatal complications including infections. However, from clinical studies, it is difficult to separate the effects of only prenatal inflammation from preterm birth. Using cesarean-delivered preterm pigs with prenatal inflammation, we documented some beneficial gut effects of bioactive milk diets relative to formula, but prenatal inflammation appeared to decrease the sensitivity of enteral feeding. Special treatments and diets may be required for this neonatal population.

Severe adverse maternal outcomes associated with chorioamnionitis

BACKGROUND

Chorioamnionitis complicates 1-5% of all pregnancies and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity. Prolonged labor and increased use of labor induction may lead to increased rates of chorioamnionitis.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to quantify serious adverse maternal outcomes that are associated with chorioamnionitis in a contemporary population of live births in the state of Ohio.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of all live births in Ohio (2006-2015). Maternal demographic and obstetric outcomes, as reported on the US birth certificate, were compared between women with and without chorioamnionitis. Primary study outcomes were maternal intensive care unit admission and composite adverse maternal outcome (intensive care unit admission, blood product transfusion, unplanned hysterectomy, unplanned operation after delivery, or ruptured uterus). Multivariate logistic regression estimated the relative association of chorioamnionitis with maternal adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 1,393,054 live births in Ohio over 10 years, 17,430 live births (1.3%) had chorioamnionitis. Women with chorioamnionitis had significantly higher rates of maternal intensive care unit admission (0.5% vs 0.1%; P<.001) and composite adverse outcome (5.0% vs 1.5%; P<.001) compared with those without chorioamnionitis. Even after adjustment for coexisting risks, chorioamnionitis was associated with 2- to 3-fold increased risk of composite adverse outcome, maternal intensive care unit admission, blood transfusion, ruptured uterus, and unplanned operation after delivery. Sensitivity analysis that excluded women who delivered by cesarean section revealed persistent significant associations between chorioamnionitis and adverse maternal outcomes. The rate of composite adverse outcomes was higher at earlier gestational ages. However, the relative risk increase of adverse outcome was more pronounced with advancing gestational age at delivery.

CONCLUSION

The frequency of severe adverse outcomes in pregnancies that are complicated with chorioamnionitis is high, with 1 in every 20 cases affected, and includes an almost 3-fold increased risk for maternal intensive care unit admission compared with patients without chorioamnionitis. Efforts to prevent and treat chorioamnionitis to minimize maternal risk could be an important area of focus in the reduction of the rate of severe maternal morbidity in the United States.

Turkish Neonatal Society guideline on neonatal infections-diagnosis and treatment

Neonatal infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the first month of life, especially in developing countries. Despite advances in neonatology, neonatal infections still haves clinical importance because of nonspecific signs and symptoms, no perfect diagnostic marker, and interference with non-infectious diseases of newborns. Diagnosis is typically made by clinical and laboratory findings. Empiric antibiotic therapy should be started in a newborn with signs and symptoms of infection after cultures are taken according to the time of the signs and symptoms, risk factors, admission from community or hospital, focus of infection, and antibiotic susceptibility estimation. Treatment should be continued according to clinical findings and culture results. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, proper hand washing, aseptic techniques for invasive procedures, appropriate neonatal intensive care unit design, isolation procedures, and especially breast milk use are needed to prevent infections. The use of diagnosis and treatment protocols increases clinical success.

Pilot study demonstrates that placental histology can provide an additional tool for diagnosing early-onset neonatal sepsis

AIM

We explored whether placental histology could help to diagnose early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), guide clinical decision-making 48 hours after birth and reduce antibiotic use.

METHODS

This study comprised 109 infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestation, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands, between January 2013 and December 2013. EONS was defined as clinical symptoms plus raised serial C-reactive protein (CRP) >10 mg/L and a positive (proven EONS) or a negative (suspected EONS) blood culture. Placentas were studied for a histological inflammatory response and scored according to Redline's criteria.

RESULTS

A histological inflammatory response was seen in 15/88 (17%) placentas and this occurred significantly more often in infants with a high suspicion of EONS (p < 0.05). No histological inflammatory response was seen if maternal risk factors for EONS were absent, despite a raised CRP level. Based on placental histology, the duration of antibiotic therapy was reduced from more than five days to 48 hours in 20/27 infants (74%).

CONCLUSION

Histological examination of the placenta helped to diagnose EONS and guide clinical decision-making 48 hours after birth and led to a clinically relevant reduction in antibiotic use.

Intraamniotic Infection and the Term Neonate

Intraamniotic infection (IAI) may occur when the amniotic membranes are ruptured >18 hours prior to birth. The term neonate is at risk for early onset sepsis. This article describes the pathophysiology of IAI and the role of the mother-baby nurse during the anticipated birth and the ongoing assessment of the neonate.

Microbiological comparison of blood culture and amplification of 16S rDNA methods in combination with DGGE for detection of neonatal sepsis in blood samples

It is estimated that 15% of all newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for suspected sepsis receive multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics without pathogen identification. The gold standard for bacterial sepsis detection is blood culture, but the sensitivity of this method is very low. Recently, amplification and analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) bacterial gene in combination with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) has proven to be a useful approach for identifying bacteria that are difficult to isolate by standard culture methods. The main goal of this study was to compare two methods used to identify bacteria associated with neonatal sepsis: blood culture and broad range 16S rDNA-DGGE. Twenty-two blood samples were obtained from newborns with (n = 15) or without (n = 7) signs and symptoms of sepsis. Blood samples were screened to identify pathogenic bacteria with two different methods: (1) bacteriological culture and (2) amplification of the variable V3 region of 16S rDNA-DGGE. Blood culture analysis was positive in 40%, whereas 16S rDNA-DGGE was positive in 87% of neonatal sepsis cases. All 16S rDNA-DGGE positive samples were associated with some other signs of neonatal sepsis.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that the molecular approach with 16S rDNA-DGGE identifies twofold more pathogenic bacteria than bacteriological culture, including complex bacterial communities associated with the development of bacterial sepsis in neonates. What is Known: • Neonatal sepsis affects 2.3% of birth in the NICU with a high mortality risk. • Evidence supports the use of molecular methods as an alternative to blood culture for identification of bacterial associated neonatal sepsis. What is New: • The DGGE gel is a good methodological approach for the identification of bacterial in neonatal blood samples. • This study describes the pattern of electrophoretic mobility obtained by DGGE gels and allows to determine the type of bacteria associated in the development of neonatal sepsis.

Chorioamnionitis following preterm premature rupture of membranes and fetal heart rate variability

Introduction

The objective of this study was to identify prenatal markers of histological chorioamnionitis (HC) during pPROM using fetal computerized cardiotocography (cCTG).

Materials and methods

Retrospective review of medical records from pregnant women referred for pPROM between 26 and 34 weeks, in whom placental histology was available, in a tertiary level obstetric service over a 5-year period. Fetal heart rate variability was assessed using cCTG. Patients were included if they were monitored at least six times in the 72 hours preceding delivery. Clinical and biological cCTG parameters during the pPROM latency period were compared between cases with or without HC.

Results

In total, 222 pPROM cases were observed, but cCTG data was available in only 23 of these cases (10 with and 13 without HC) after exclusion of co-morbidities which may potentially perturb fetal heart rate variability measures. Groups were comparable for maternal age, parity, gestational age at pPROM, pPROM duration and neonatal characteristics (p>0.1). Baseline fetal heart rate was higher in the HC group [median 147.3 bpm IQR (144.2–149.2) vs. 141.3 bpm (137.1–145.4) in no HC group; p = 0.02]. The number of low variation episodes [6.4, (3.5–15.3) vs. 2.3 (1–5.2); p = 0.04] was also higher in the HC group, whereas short term variations were lower in the HC group [7.1 ms (6–7.4) vs. 8.1 ms (7.4–9); p = 0.01] within 72 hours before delivery. Differences were especially discriminant within 24 hours before delivery, with less short-term variation [5 ms (3.7–5.9) vs. 7.8 ms (5.4–8.7); p = 0.007] and high variation episodes [3.9 (4.9–3.2) vs. 0.8 (1.5–0.2); p < 0.001] in the HC group.

Conclusion

These results show differences in fetal heart rate variability, suggesting that cCTG could be used clinically to diagnoses chorioamnionitis during the pPROM latency period.

Cerebral Palsy and Intellectual Disability in the Children of Women With Chronic Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND

This study examined the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, especially cerebral palsy and intellectual disability, in pregnant women with and without chronic kidney disease and their children.

METHOD

In total, 156 pregnancies involving 139 women with chronic kidney disease who were treated at our center between 2001 and 2010 were identified. We also selected 3067 women without chronic kidney disease who delivered their infants without suffering any medical complications during the same period as control groups. Long-term neonatal prognosis was assessed based on the frequencies of cerebral palsy and/or intellectual disability.

RESULTS

The pregnant women had the following types of chronic kidney disease: immunoglobulin A nephropathy (n = 54), glomerulonephritis (n = 17), chronic renal failure (n = 16), nephrotic syndrome (n = 12), nephritis (n = 11), diabetic nephropathy (n = 10), congenital malformations and deformations (n = 10), purpura nephritis (n = 7), and others (n = 19). Of the children who were born to mothers with chronic kidney disease, one developed cerebral palsy, and another developed cerebral palsy with intellectual disability. Seven of the children who were born to mothers without chronic kidney disease developed cerebral palsy. The posterior probability of these conditions was 0.01900 and 0.002610 in the children born to mothers with and without chronic kidney disease, respectively. A primiparous mother (odds ratio [OR]: 4.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]): 2.78 to 5.95), preeclampsia (OR: 6.44, 95% CI: 3.92 to 10.59), grade 1 to 4 intraventricular hemorrhaging (OR: 7.71, 95% CI: 2.05 to 28.92), and an Apgar score of less than 7 at five minutes (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.96) were found to influence the risk of cerebral palsy and/or intellectual disability in children born to women with chronic kidney disease.

CONCLUSION

We found that the incidence of cerebral palsy and/or intellectual disability is 7.2-fold higher in children born to women with chronic kidney disease than in those born to women without chronic kidney disease.

Bloodstream Infections

Bacteremia and sepsis are conditions associated with high mortality and are of great impact to health care operations. Among the top causes of mortality in the United States, these conditions cause over 600 fatalities each day. Empiric, broad-spectrum treatment is a common but often a costly approach that may fail to effectively target the correct microbe, may inadvertently harm patients via antimicrobial toxicity or downstream antimicrobial resistance. To meet the diagnostic challenges of bacteremia and sepsis, laboratories must understand the complexity of diagnosing and treating septic patients, in order to focus on creating algorithms that can help direct a more targeted approach to antimicrobial therapy and synergize with existing clinical practices defined in new Surviving Sepsis Guidelines. Significant advances have been made in improving blood culture media; as yet no molecular or antigen-based method has proven superior for the detection of bacteremia in terms of limit of detection. Several methods for rapid molecular identification of pathogens from blood cultures bottles are available and many more are on the diagnostic horizon. Ultimately, early intervention by molecular detection of bacteria and fungi directly from whole blood could provide the most patient benefit and contribute to tailored antibiotic coverage of the patient early on in the course of the disease. Although blood cultures remain as the best means of diagnosing bacteremia and candidemia, complementary testing with antigen tests, microbiologic investigations from other body sites, and histopathology can often aid in the diagnosis of disseminated disease, and application of emerging nucleic acid test methods and other new technology may greatly impact our ability to bacteremic and septic patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised.

Antibiotic Therapy for Chorioamnionitis to Reduce the Global Burden of Associated Disease

Chorioamnionitis is associated with significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality throughout the world. In developed countries, great progress has been made to minimize the impact of chorioamnionitis, through timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the global setting, where many women deliver outside the healthcare facilities, this diagnosis is frequently overlooked and not properly treated. In addition to its impact on maternal health, a significant proportion of neonatal morbidity and mortality can be prevented by both recognition and access to readily available treatment. With the increasing focus on saving the most vulnerable members of society, we echo the need for providing parturient women with suspected chorioamnionitis universal access to appropriate therapy. We describe known effective antibiotic therapies for chorioamnionitis and provide an overview of additional potential antimicrobial treatments that might be effectively implemented in areas with limited access to care.

Reticulocyte Haemoglobin Content Declines More Markedly in Preterm than in Term Infants in the First Days after Birth

BACKGROUND

Reticulocyte haemoglobin content, i.e., the reticulocyte equivalent (Ret-He), seems to be a promising parameter for the detection of iron deficiency (ID) in neonates because it can be obtained as part of a reticulocyte count, with no additional blood loss and at no extra cost. Due to the short life span of reticulocytes, Ret-He reflects current iron availability for erythropoiesis more accurately than other common erythrocyte indices.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate postnatal changes in Ret-He within the first days after birth in term and preterm infants with the hypothesis that preterm infants experience a more pronounced postnatal reduction in Ret-He when compared to term infants.

METHODS

We conducted retrospective analyses of clinically indicated blood samples. Paired t test and mixed regression modelling were used.

RESULTS

In total, 805 blood samples obtained from 207 term and 295 preterm infants were analysed. Ret-He decreased by 1.5 pg per day (regression coefficient [95% CI] -1.5 [-1.8 to -1.2] pg, p < 0.0001). This drop was more significant in preterm infants (regression coefficient -2.2 [-2.6 to -1.8] pg, p < 0.0001) than in term infants (regression coefficient -0.8 [-1.3 to -0.2] pg, p < 0.01, pinteraction < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Ret-He declined within the first days after birth. The observed changes with postnatal age were more pronounced in preterm than in term infants. Further studies are needed to evaluate if these changes are due to developing ID or other causes.

Third Trimester Brain Growth in Preterm Infants Compared With In Utero Healthy Fetuses

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Compared with term infants, preterm infants have impaired brain development at term-equivalent age, even in the absence of structural brain injury. However, details regarding the onset and progression of impaired preterm brain development over the third trimester are unknown. Our primary objective was to compare third-trimester brain volumes and brain growth trajectories in ex utero preterm infants without structural brain injury and in healthy in utero fetuses. As a secondary objective, we examined risk factors associated with brain volumes in preterm infants over the third-trimester postconception.

METHODS

Preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) and weighing <1500 g with no evidence of structural brain injury on conventional MRI and healthy pregnant women were prospectively recruited. Anatomic T2-weighted brain images of preterm infants and healthy fetuses were parcellated into the following regions: cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and intracranial cavity.

RESULTS

We studied 205 participants (75 preterm infants and 130 healthy control fetuses) between 27 and 39 weeks' GA. Third-trimester brain volumes were reduced and brain growth trajectories were slower in the ex utero preterm group compared with the in utero healthy fetuses in the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and intracranial cavity. Clinical risk factors associated with reduced brain volumes included dexamethasone treatment, the presence of extra-axial blood on brain MRI, confirmed sepsis, and duration of oxygen support.

CONCLUSIONS

These preterm infants exhibited impaired third-trimester global and regional brain growth in the absence of cerebral/cerebellar parenchymal injury detected by using conventional MRI.

Selective IL-1α exposure to the fetal gut, lung, and chorioamnion/skin causes intestinal inflammatory and developmental changes in fetal sheep

Chorioamnionitis, caused by intra-amniotic exposure to bacteria and their toxic components, is associated with fetal gut inflammation and mucosal injury. In a translational ovine model, we have shown that these adverse intestinal outcomes to chorioamnionitis were the combined result of local gut and pulmonary-driven systemic immune responses. Chorioamnionitis-induced gut inflammation and injury was largely prevented by inhibiting interleukin-1 (IL-1) signaling. Therefore, we investigated whether local (gut-derived) IL-1α signaling or systemic IL-1α-driven immune responses (lung or chorioamnion/skin-derived) were sufficient for intestinal inflammation and mucosal injury in the course of chorioamnionitis. Fetal surgery was performed in sheep to isolate the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and chorioamnion/skin, and IL-1α or saline was given into the trachea, stomach, or amniotic cavity 1 or 6 days before preterm delivery. Selective IL-1α exposure to the lung, gut, or chorioamnion/skin increased the CD3+ cell numbers in the fetal gut. Direct IL-1α exposure to the gut impaired intestinal zonula occludens protein-1 expression, induced villus atrophy, changed the expression pattern of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein along the villus, and increased the CD68, IL-1, and TNF-α mRNA levels in the fetal ileum. With lung or chorioamnion/skin exposure to IL-1α, intestinal inflammation was associated with increased numbers of blood leukocytes without induction of intestinal injury or immaturity. We concluded that local IL-1α signaling was required for intestinal inflammation, disturbed gut maturation, and mucosal injury in the context of chorioamnionitis.

Response to bronchodilators in very preterm infants with evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BACKGROUND

There are few effective and safe medications to treat very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with evolving BPD. Bronchodilators are often given to patients who have clinical signs of reactive airway disease, but there is not enough information regarding their effectiveness within this population.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the pulmonary function response to bronchodilator therapy in a population of VLBW infants with evolving BPD.

DESIGN/METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of an ongoing large database of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in premature infants. We reviewed pre and post bronchodilator PFTs ordered by a physician due to concern for reactive airway disease. Inclusion criteria: BW< 1500 grams; > 14 days of age; admission diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome; requiring ongoing oxygen, CPAP or ventilator support at the time of PFT. PFTs were done prior to albuterol therapy and repeated 30 minutes after the therapy was given. PFTs included the measurement of passive respiratory mechanics with the single breath occlusion technique, including passive respiratory compliance (Crs), resistance (Rrs) and tidal volume (Vt).

RESULTS

40 VLBW infants (mean gestation of 27.4 weeks; mean birth weight (BW) of 848 grams) were identified as having PFTs. 29 of these patients had a BW of ≤ 1000 grams. Patients were studied at a mean corrected gestational age of 34.9 weeks. 29 of 40 were extubated at the time of the PFT. Of these patients, 21 (52.5%) had a decrease in Rrs of ≥10%. From the other 19 patients, 5 (12.5%) had a decrease of 0 to < 10% in Rrs, 14 (35%) showed no response to therapy. There was no significant difference in Crs between groups.

Novel biomarkers in amniotic fluid for early assessment of intraamniotic infection

Intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (IAI) is associated with preterm birth, short and long-term adverse clinical outcomes and oxidative stress. The diagnosis of IAI is based on histological and clinical findings; however, often these results are unspecific. Therefore, efforts have been directed towards validating reliable methods for patients lacking overt clinical symptoms. In this study, amniotic fluid (AF) samples were prospectively collected from 23 women grouped into two categories (with or without IAI) following clinical, microbiological and histological criteria. AFs were analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for the determination of the following biomarkers: oxidized and nitrated tyrosines (Tyr), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and glutathione sulfonamide (GSA). 3-NO2-Tyrosine (3NO2-Tyr) and GSSG concentrations in AF were not identified as significantly relevant biomarkers in the presence of IAI. However, inflammatory biomarkers such as GSA (p=0.002) and 3-Chloro-Tyrosine [3Cl-Tyr (p=0.049)], and oxidative stress biomarker 8OHdG (p=0.021) were significantly increased in AF with IAI as compared to normal controls. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress determined in AF samples could represent a new approach towards an early diagnosis of IAI and subsequent chorioamnionitis in the clinical setting.