Related Experiment Video

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

Chorioamnionitis with a fetal inflammatory response is associated with higher neonatal mortality, morbidity, and

Jacqueline Lau1, Fergall Magee, Zhenguo Qiu

  • 1Centre for Healthcare Innovation and Improvement, School of Medicine, Queen's University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 10, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Fetal inflammation in chorioamnionitis significantly increases neonatal mortality and morbidity. This indicates that the extent of placental inflammation impacts infant outcomes, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Chorioamnionitis, an infection of the chorion and amnion, is a known risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes.
  • The inflammatory response in chorioamnionitis can be localized to the maternal side or extend to fetal structures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the proximity of placental inflammation and neonatal outcomes.
  • To determine if fetal inflammatory response in chorioamnionitis impacts neonatal mortality, morbidity, and resource utilization.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 1296 infants with placental examinations admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
  • Stratification of histologic chorioamnionitis cases into maternal-only inflammation versus cases with fetal inflammation (funisitis/fetal vessel angiitis).

Main Results:

  • Histologic chorioamnionitis was found in 31% of placentas.
  • Fetal inflammatory response was present in 62% of chorioamnionitis cases.
  • Neonatal mortality, morbidity, and resource use were significantly higher in infants with fetal inflammation compared to those with maternal-only inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Chorioamnionitis involving a fetal inflammatory response is linked to poorer neonatal outcomes.
  • The presence of fetal inflammation, beyond maternal inflammation, significantly increases neonatal mortality and morbidity.
  • These findings underscore the importance of assessing the extent of placental inflammation for predicting neonatal risk.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular01:30

Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular

The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects01:25

Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects

Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
Cholecystitis01:20

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, most commonly caused by obstruction of the cystic duct. This blockage prevents bile from draining, leading to gallbladder distension, inflammation, and potentially serious complications. This condition may present acutely or chronically and can happen with or without gallstones.EtiologyAbout 95% of cholecystitis cases are calculous, caused by gallstones blocking the cystic duct, leading to bile accumulation and inflammation of the gallbladder...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Transcytosis of IgG01:15

Transcytosis of IgG

Transcytosis is the process in which molecules are internalized by endocytosis, transported across the cell, and released through exocytosis from the opposite end of the cell. Molecules such as insulin, immunoglobulins, and certain nutrients are transferred through the recycling endosomes by recycling and transcytosis.
IgG molecules from a mother undergo transcytosis starting around 13 weeks of gestation. The amount of IgG transferred and entering the fetal blood circulation increases with...
Inflammatory Response01:28

Inflammatory Response

An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...