Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2026
07:36
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
Histological chorioamnionitis and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants
A S Soraisham1, C Trevenen, S Wood
1Department of Pediatrics, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute for Child and Maternal Health, Calgary, AB, Canada. asoraish@ucalgary.ca
Summary
Histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) in preterm infants is linked to a higher risk of cerebral palsy. This study found HCA increased the likelihood of cerebral palsy by 2.45 times in infants born before 29 weeks gestation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) is an inflammatory condition affecting the placenta and fetal membranes.
- The impact of HCA on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants remains an area of significant concern.
- Understanding these risks is crucial for early intervention and improved care strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
- To assess specific outcomes such as cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, and major disabilities.
- To evaluate these outcomes at 30 to 42 months corrected age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study with prospective follow-up.
- Inclusion criteria: infants born <29 weeks gestation between 2000-2006 with neurodevelopmental assessment at 30-42 months corrected age.
- Comparison of neurodevelopmental outcomes between infants with and without HCA.
Main Results:
- Infants with HCA had lower gestational age and higher rates of intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and retinopathy of prematurity.
- Univariate analysis showed a significantly higher incidence of cerebral palsy in the HCA group (12.6% vs 6.4%).
- Adjusted analysis confirmed HCA as an independent risk factor for cerebral palsy (OR: 2.45; 95% CI 1.11-5.40), but not for total major disabilities.
Conclusions:
- Histological chorioamnionitis (HCA) is significantly associated with an increased risk of cerebral palsy in preterm infants.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering placental inflammation in predicting neurodevelopmental deficits.
- Further research into HCA and funisitis may refine risk assessment for cerebral palsy.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...