Funisitis in term pregnancy is associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and intra-amniotic

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Updated: Jul 18, 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

Si Eun Lee1, Roberto Romero, Chong Jai Kim

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|November 28, 2006
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Funisitis, an indicator of fetal inflammation, is found in 4% of term deliveries. It is linked to amniotic fluid infection and elevated white blood cell counts, signaling adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Obstetrics
  • Neonatology

Background:

  • Funisitis, the histologic sign of fetal inflammatory response syndrome, is associated with preterm delivery and poor neonatal outcomes.
  • Understanding the link between funisitis and intra-amniotic infection is crucial for managing term pregnancies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between funisitis and the microbiologic status of amniotic fluid (AF).
  • To examine the relationship between funisitis and amniotic fluid white blood cell (WBC) count in term deliveries.

Main Methods:

  • Examined 832 term deliveries within 72 hours of amniocentesis.
  • Assessed funisitis via neutrophil infiltration in umbilical vessels or Wharton's jelly.
  • Analyzed AF for aerobic/anaerobic bacteria, mycoplasmas, and WBC count.

Main Results:

  • Funisitis was observed in 4% of cases.
  • Positive AF cultures (17% vs. 5%) and higher median AF WBC counts (>1000 vs. 2 cells/mm3) were significantly associated with funisitis.
  • The incidence of funisitis and positive AF cultures increased with labor or ruptured membranes.

Conclusions:

  • Funisitis occurs in 4% of term pregnancies.
  • Funisitis is associated with microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC).
  • Funisitis correlates with increased amniotic fluid WBC count, indicating intra-amniotic inflammation.

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