Micronutrients and intrauterine infection, preterm birth and the fetal inflammatory response syndrome

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
07:36

Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats

Published on: November 20, 2015

Roberto Romero1, Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa, Jimmy Espinoza

  • 1Perinatology Research Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH/DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. warfiela@mail.nih.gov

The Journal of Nutrition
|May 6, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Intrauterine infection causes preterm birth and fetal inflammatory response syndrome. Micronutrients like vitamins C and E may help prevent complications from preterm birth and fetal inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Prematurity is a leading global cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality.
  • Intrauterine infection is a significant factor in premature labor and delivery, affecting approximately 25% of preterm births.
  • These infections are often subclinical, making diagnosis challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the mechanisms, microbiology, frequency, and clinical outcomes of intrauterine infections.
  • To review the pathophysiology of fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS).
  • To explore the potential role of vitamins C and E in preventing preterm prelabor rupture of membranes and mitigating FIRS consequences.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of existing research on intrauterine infections and prematurity.
  • Review of the pathophysiology of fetal inflammatory response syndrome.
  • Consideration of micronutrient roles (vitamins C and E) in prevention.

Main Results:

  • Intrauterine infections contribute to preterm birth and FIRS.
  • FIRS is linked to long-term infant handicaps like cerebral palsy and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  • Vitamins C and E are investigated for their potential preventive roles.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding intrauterine infection pathways is crucial for managing prematurity.
  • Fetal inflammatory response syndrome has serious long-term consequences.
  • Further research into micronutrient supplementation (vitamins C and E) is warranted for preventing preterm birth complications.

More Related Videos

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development08:50

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development

Published on: June 24, 2020

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice04:18

Modeling Ascending Vaginal Infection, Preterm Birth, and Neonatal Morbidity in Mice

Published on: October 10, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics01:21

Microbiota Modulation by Antibiotics

Antibiotics have revolutionized modern medicine by saving countless lives from bacterial infections. However, their widespread use has inadvertently harmed the delicate balance of the human gut microbiota. The gut microbiota, a complex community of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and fungi, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune responses, and maintaining intestinal health. Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum types, disrupt this ecosystem by eradicating both harmful and beneficial...