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Published on: June 24, 2020
Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in preterm infants with pulmonary colonization with Ureaplasma
John T Meadows1, Benjamin T Kopp, Lori A Shook
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN, USA;
Ureaplasma spp. colonization in premature infants is linked to higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, indicating a systemic inflammatory response. This study investigated the association in very low birth weight infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Research
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Pulmonary Ureaplasma spp. colonization is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.
- This colonization may contribute to systemic inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between Ureaplasma spp. colonization and systemic inflammation, measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study involving VLBW infants screened at birth.
- Serum and tracheal aspirate samples collected in early (0-28 days) and late (28-42 days) periods.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hs-CRP and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Ureaplasma spp. detection.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in hs-CRP levels between early and late groups (P=0.3958).
- Significant differences in hs-CRP levels were observed when comparing Ureaplasma spp. positive versus negative infants in both early (P=0.0131) and late (P=0.03) periods.
- Ureaplasma spp. positivity was associated with elevated hs-CRP levels.
Conclusions:
- Very low birth weight premature infants colonized with Ureaplasma spp. exhibit elevated hs-CRP levels.
- This suggests a chronic, low-grade systemic inflammatory response in colonized infants.
- Ureaplasma spp. colonization is a potential marker for systemic inflammation in VLBW infants.
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