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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Periventricular leukomalacia and placental histopathologic abnormalities
Zahra Maleki1, Anya J Bailis, Cynthia H Argani
1From the Department of Pathology and Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 20, 2010
Summary
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) in premature infants is weakly linked to chronic placental inflammation, specifically diffuse capsular deciduitis and plasma cells. This suggests a possible chronic infection, not acute chorioamnionitis, as a contributing factor to PVL.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal pathology
- Neonatal neurology
- Infectious disease
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a significant cause of cerebral palsy in preterm infants.
- Understanding placental factors associated with PVL is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between placental histopathologic abnormalities and neonatal periventricular leukomalacia (PVL).
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 167 neonates with PVL and 167 matched controls (gestational age 23-34 weeks).
- Placental examination by blinded perinatal pathologists.
- Statistical analysis including conditional logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Neonates with PVL showed higher rates of positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures.
- PVL cases had significantly more chronic diffuse capsular deciduitis and capsular decidual plasma cells compared to controls.
- These findings remained significant after adjusting for birth weight and multiple gestation.
Conclusions:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is weakly associated with chronic diffuse capsular deciduitis and capsular decidual plasma cells.
- These placental findings suggest chronic infection, rather than acute chorioamnionitis, may play a role in PVL development.
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