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O'Neil M, Demeulenaere SK, DeChristopher PJ, Holthaus E, Jeske W, Glynn L, Husain A, Muraskas J. 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. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2024:10935266241235504. [PMID: 38616561 DOI: 10.1177/10935266241235504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela O'Neil
- Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Emily Holthaus
- Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
- UT Southwestern Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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Fortin O, DeBiasi RL, Mulkey SB. Congenital infectious encephalopathies from the intrapartum period to postnatal life. Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2024:101526. [PMID: 38677956 DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2024.101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Congenital infections are a common but often underrecognized cause of fetal brain abnormalities, as well as fetal-neonatal morbidity and mortality, that should be considered by all healthcare professionals providing neurological care to fetuses and newborns. Maternal infection with various pathogens (cytomegalovirus, Toxoplasmosis, Rubella virus, Parvovirus B19, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, syphilis, Zika virus, varicella zoster virus) during pregnancy can be transmitted to the developing fetus, which can cause multisystem dysfunction and destructive or malformative central nervous system lesions. These can be recognized on fetal and neonatal imaging, including ultrasound and MRI. Imaging and clinical features often overlap, but some distinguishing features can help identify specific pathogens and guide subsequent testing strategies. Some pathogens can be specifically treated, and others can be managed with targeted interventions or symptomatic therapy based on expected complications. Neurological and neurodevelopmental complications related to congenital infections vary widely and are likely driven by a combination of pathophysiologic factors, alone or in combination. These include direct invasion of the fetal central nervous system by pathogens, inflammation of the maternal-placental-fetal triad in response to infection, and long-term effects of immunogenic and epigenetic changes in the fetus in response to maternal-fetal infection. Congenital infections and their neurodevelopmental impacts should be seen as an issue of public health policy, given that infection and the associated complications disproportionately affect woman and children from low- and middle-income countries and those with lower socio-economic status in high-income countries. Congenital infections may be preventable and treatable, which can improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Fortin
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA
| | - Roberta L DeBiasi
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Disease, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA; Department of Tropical Medicine, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA
| | - Sarah B Mulkey
- Zickler Family Prenatal Pediatrics Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA; Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington DC, USA.
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Giovannini E, Bonasoni MP, Pascali JP, Giorgetti A, Pelletti G, Gargano G, Pelotti S, Fais P. Infection Induced Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS): State-of- the-Art and Medico-Legal Implications-A Narrative Review. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11041010. [PMID: 37110434 PMCID: PMC10142209 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11041010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) represents the fetal inflammatory reaction to intrauterine infection or injury, potentially leading to multiorgan impairment, neonatal mortality, and morbidity. Infections induce FIRS after chorioamnionitis (CA), defined as acute maternal inflammatory response to amniotic fluid infection, acute funisitis and chorionic vasculitis. FIRS involves many molecules, i.e., cytokines and/or chemokines, able to directly or indirectly damage fetal organs. Therefore, due to FIRS being a condition with a complex etiopathogenesis and multiple organ dysfunction, especially brain injury, medical liability is frequently claimed. In medical malpractice, reconstruction of the pathological pathways is paramount. However, in cases of FIRS, ideal medical conduct is hard to delineate, due to uncertainty in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this highly complex condition. This narrative review revises the current knowledge of FIRS caused by infections, maternal and neonatal diagnosis and treatments, the main consequences of the disease and their prognoses, and discusses the medico-legal implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Giovannini
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Bonasoni
- Pathology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Jennifer Paola Pascali
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Arianna Giorgetti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Guido Pelletti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Gargano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Via Amendola 2, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Susi Pelotti
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Fais
- Unit of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Irnerio 49, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Berg P, Granfors M, Riese C, Mantel Ä. Clinical characteristics and predictors of neonatal outcomes in chorioamnionitis at term gestation: A cohort study. BJOG 2023. [PMID: 36808424 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between clinical and laboratory characteristics of chorioamnionitis in deliveries at term gestation with adverse neonatal outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING The study is based on data from the Swedish Pregnancy Register, enriched with clinical data extracted from medical charts. SAMPLE A cohort of 500 term singleton deliveries in Stockholm County with registered diagnosis of chorioamnionitis (based on the assessment of the responsible obstetrician) in the Swedish Pregnancy Register between 2014 and 2020. METHODS Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) as a measurement of the association between clinical and laboratory characteristics and neonatal complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Neonatal infection and asphyxia-related complications. RESULTS The prevalence of neonatal infection and asphyxia-related complications was 10% and 22%, respectively. First leukocyte count in the second tertile (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.02-4.49), maximum C-reactive protein (CRP) level in the third tertile (OR 4.01, 95% Cl 1.66-9.68) and positive cervical culture (OR 2.22, 95% Cl 1.10-4.48) were associated with an increased risk of neonatal infection. Maximum level of CRP in the third tertile (OR 1.93, 95% Cl 1.09-3.41) and fetal tachycardia (OR 1.63, 95% Cl 1.01-2.65) were associated with an increased risk of asphyxia-related complications. CONCLUSIONS Elevated inflammatory laboratory markers were associated with both neonatal infection and asphyxia-related complications, and fetal tachycardia was associated with asphyxia-related complications. Based on these findings, the incorporation of maternal CRP in the management of chorioamnionitis should be considered, and a continuous communication between obstetric and neonatal care extending past the delivery time point endorsed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michaela Granfors
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's Health, Division of Obstetrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Riese
- Department of Women's Health, Division of Obstetrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ängla Mantel
- Clinical Epidemiology Division, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Women's Health, Division of Obstetrics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Fox A, Doyle E, Geary M, Hayes B. Placental pathology and neonatal encephalopathy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2023; 160:22-27. [PMID: 35694848 PMCID: PMC10084103 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide; however, there remain gaps in our knowledge about its pathogenesis. The placenta has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease but conclusive evidence related to the placental factors that influence it is sparse. This review aims to outline the current knowledge on the role of the placenta with particular attention to its role in NE as a consequence of hypoxia-ischemia. A total of 26 original articles/review papers were used to compile this review. Three themes were identified from these publications: fetal vascular malperfusion including umbilical cord pathology, inflammatory changes in the placenta, and maternal vascular malperfusion including placental weight. These features were identified as being significant in the development of NE. Advancing our understanding of this relationship between placental pathology and NE may facilitate the development of additional antenatal screening to better identify at-risk fetuses. We highlight areas for further research through antenatal screening and placental histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aine Fox
- Department of Neonatology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Emma Doyle
- Department of Histopathology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Michael Geary
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland
| | - Breda Hayes
- Department of Neonatology, The Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland.,Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Tchirikov M, Haiduk C, Tchirikov M, Riemer M, Bergner M, Li W, Henschen S, Entezami M, Wienke A, Seliger G. Treatment of Classic Mid-Trimester Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) with Oligo/Anhydramnion between 22 and 26 Weeks of Gestation by Means of Continuous Amnioinfusion: Protocol of a Randomized Multicentric Prospective Controlled TRIAL and Review of the Literature. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091351. [PMID: 36143388 PMCID: PMC9500795 DOI: 10.3390/life12091351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The classic mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) is defined as a rupture of the fetal membranes prior to 28 weeks of gestation (WG) with oligo/anhydramnion; it complicates approximately 0.4–0.7% of all pregnancies and is associated with very high neonatal mortality and morbidity. Antibiotics have limited success to prevent bacterial growth, chorioamnionitis and fetal inflammation. The repetitive amnioinfusion does not work because fluid is lost immediately after the intervention. The continuous amnioinfusion through the transabdominal port system or catheter in patients with classic PPROM shows promise by flushing out the bacteria and inflammatory components from the amniotic cavity, replacing amniotic fluid and thus prolonging the PPROM-to-delivery interval. Objective: This multicenter trial aims to test the effect of continuous amnioinfusion on the neonatal survival without the typical major morbidities, such as severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and necrotizing enterocolitis one year after the delivery. Study Design: We plan to conduct a randomized multicenter trial with a two-arm parallel design. Randomization will be between 22/0 and 26/0 SSW. The control group: PPROM patients between 20/0 and 26/0 WG who will be treated with antibiotics and corticosteroids (from 22/0 SSW) in accordance with the guidelines of German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (standard PPROM therapy). In the interventional group, the standard PPROM therapy will be complemented with the Amnion Flush Method, with the amnioinfusion of Amnion Flush Solution through the intra-amnial catheter (up to 100 mL/h, 2400 mL/day). Subjects: The study will include 68 patients with classic PPROM between 20/0 and 26/0 WG. TRIAL-registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04696003. German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00024503, January 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Tchirikov
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-557-3250; Fax: +49-345-557-3251
| | - Christian Haiduk
- Center of Clinical Studies, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06108 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Miriam Tchirikov
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcus Riemer
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Bergner
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Weijing Li
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Joseph Krankenhaus Berlin Tempelhof, 12101 Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Henschen
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamburg Medical School, Helios Clinics GmbH, 19049 Schwerin, Germany
| | - Michael Entezami
- Center of Prenatal Diagnostic and Human Genetic, 10719 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Wienke
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Gregor Seliger
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Center of Fetal Surgery, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
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