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

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Amniotic fluid interleukin-18 at mid-trimester genetic amniocentesis: relationship to intraamniotic microbial

G Daskalakis1, N Thomakos, A Papapanagiotou

  • 1First Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Alexandra Maternity Hospital, and Department of Biological Chemistry, Athens University, Athens, Greece. gdaskalakis@yahoo.com

BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|November 13, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Elevated amniotic fluid interleukin-18 (AF IL-18) levels in the mid-trimester can help identify women at risk for intraamniotic infection and spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD). This biomarker aids in predicting PTD.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics
  • Biomarkers

Background:

  • Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity is a significant cause of preterm delivery (PTD).
  • Accurate diagnosis and prediction of PTD remain clinical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the diagnostic and predictive value of amniotic fluid interleukin-18 (AF IL-18) for intraamniotic infection.
  • To assess the utility of AF IL-18 in predicting spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective analysis of amniotic fluid (AF) collected via genetic amniocentesis.
  • AF IL-18 levels were measured alongside aerobic/anaerobic bacterial and Ureaplasma urealyticum cultures.
  • Women delivering preterm (<37 weeks) were compared to matched term delivery controls.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher AF IL-18 concentrations were observed in the preterm delivery group compared to controls (P<0.001).
  • Elevated AF IL-18 levels correlated with positive amniotic fluid cultures, indicating intraamniotic infection (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Mid-trimester elevation of AF IL-18 is a valuable indicator for women at risk of intraamniotic infection.
  • Increased AF IL-18 concentrations can identify women at risk for spontaneous preterm delivery.

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