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Updated: Jul 2, 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 and ontogeny of circulating prostaglandin and thromboxane in preterm infants

Girija Natarajan1, Maria Glibetic, Ronald L Thomas

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Michigan and Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit, MI 48201, USA. gnatara@med.wayne.edu

American Journal of Perinatology
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Chorioamnionitis did not significantly alter plasma prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) levels in preterm infants during the first week. Lower levels of these substances were associated with increased mortality and morbidities in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Perinatal Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Chorioamnionitis is a known risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes.
  • Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) are inflammatory mediators with roles in pregnancy and birth.
  • Their specific impact on preterm infants with chorioamnionitis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of chorioamnionitis on plasma concentrations of PGE2 and TxB2 in preterm infants.
  • To analyze these levels during the first week of life.
  • To correlate these levels with neonatal outcomes such as mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma PGE2 and TxB2 were measured at 1, 3, and 7 days of age.
  • Preterm infants (birth weights 501-1500 g) were categorized based on the presence (N=26) or absence (N=22) of maternal chorioamnionitis.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to compare groups and identify associations.

Main Results:

  • Infants with chorioamnionitis had lower mean gestational age and birth weight.
  • Plasma PGE2 and TxB2 levels varied widely but did not significantly differ between groups.
  • TxB2 levels were lower in infants who died or developed morbidities.

Conclusions:

  • Circulating PGE2 and TxB2 concentrations in preterm infants are highly variable in the first week.
  • Chorioamnionitis does not appear to significantly alter these specific plasma levels.
  • Lower TxB2 concentrations may be linked to adverse neonatal outcomes, warranting further investigation.

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