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Induction of hepatic granulopoiesis due to chorioamnionitis during the second trimester of development

D Tamiolakis1, A Kotini, T Jivannakis

  • 1Department of Cytology, Regional Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 68100, Alexandroupolis, Greece.

European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|September 13, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Fetal infection can be diagnosed by examining fetal liver tissue for changes in hematopoiesis. This method, using markers like Neutrophilic elastase, aids in detecting chorioamnionitis postmortem.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal pathology
  • Fetal immunology
  • Hematopoiesis research

Background:

  • Chorioamnionitis, often caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, is a significant cause of fetal miscarriage.
  • Diagnosing fetal infection typically requires examining multiple tissues, including the placenta and membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if postmortem changes in fetal hematopoiesis within the liver alone can indicate infection.
  • To evaluate specific immunohistochemical markers for detecting infection-related hematopoiesis changes.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemical analysis of Glycophorin C, Neutrophilic elastase, and CD34 in fetal liver tissue.
  • Comparison between fetuses miscarried due to chorioamnionitis and those from voluntary abortions at 16, 20, and 24 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher Neutrophilic elastase positive cells were observed in fetuses with chorioamnionitis compared to controls.
  • Total fetal hematopoiesis showed statistically significant differences, indicating infection, particularly at 20 and 24 weeks.
  • No significant differences in erythropoiesis were found between the groups.

Conclusions:

  • Fetal infection can be diagnosed solely through liver examination by identifying characteristic hematopoiesis changes.
  • Liver examination provides a potential standalone method for detecting fetal infection, with placental and membrane examination serving to confirm chorioamnionitis.

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