Maternal and Fetal Contributions in Preterm Deliveries Complicated by Chorioamnionitis
Author Information
Author(s): M. McNamara, T. Wallis, S. Jacques, F. Qureshi, B. Gonik
Primary Institution: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Hypothesis
To describe the maternal and fetal polymorphonuclear cell contributions in the umbilical cord and placenta in preterm deliveries complicated by clinical chorioamnionitis.
Conclusion
In preterm clinical chorioamnionitis, the PMN response observed in the placental mass is predominantly maternal, while the funisitis is predominantly fetal in origin.
Supporting Evidence
- Maternal cells accounted for a mean of 86.4% of the total PMNs identified in the placenta.
- Fetal PMNs accounted for a mean of 99.8% of the PMNs seen in the umbilical cord specimens.
Takeaway
This study looked at how the mother's and baby's immune cells respond in cases of early delivery due to infection, finding that the mother's cells are more common in the placenta, while the baby's cells are more common in the umbilical cord.
Methodology
Five cases of preterm deliveries complicated by clinical chorioamnionitis were retrospectively identified and analyzed for maternal and fetal PMN contributions.
Limitations
The study is limited by its small sample size and retrospective design.
Participant Demographics
Only male fetuses were studied.
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