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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
08:50

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

Preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and chorioamnionitis

Edward R Newton1

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Teaching Annex, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Greenville, NC 27834, USA. newtoned@mail.ecu.edu

Clinics in Perinatology
|August 9, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This review examines the link between infection and preterm birth, exploring management strategies like antibiotic therapy to reduce risks. It also discusses potential neurodevelopmental handicaps linked to intra-amniotic infections.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Health

Background:

  • Preterm birth remains a significant global health challenge with multifactorial causes.
  • Infection is a recognized contributor to preterm birth, necessitating a deeper understanding of its mechanisms.
  • Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) is a critical concern in preterm labor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the etiology and biochemical pathways linking infection to preterm birth.
  • To discuss the management of infection-related risks for preventing preterm birth.
  • To evaluate the potential neurodevelopmental consequences of intra-amniotic infection.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on infection and preterm birth.
  • Analysis of biochemical links and etiological factors.
  • Synthesis of evidence on prophylactic and therapeutic antibiotic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Infection plays a key role in the pathophysiology of preterm birth.
  • Antibiotic therapy shows potential in preventing and managing infection-related preterm birth.
  • Intra-amniotic infection is associated with increased risks of adverse neonatal outcomes, including neurodevelopmental handicap.

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of infections is crucial for reducing preterm birth rates.
  • Targeted antibiotic interventions may mitigate risks associated with preterm labor and IAI.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the neurodevelopmental impact of IAI.

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