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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Modeling Encephalopathy of Prematurity Using Prenatal Hypoxia-ischemia with Intra-amniotic Lipopolysaccharide in Rats
Published on: November 20, 2015
In preterm infants, ascending intrauterine infection is associated with lower cerebral tissue oxygen saturation and
Annemiek M Roescher1, Albertus Timmer2, Michelle E van der Laan1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Background:
Placental lesions are associated with neurological morbidity but the mechanism leading to morbidity is unclear. To provide insight into such a possible mechanism, we determined whether placental lesions were associated with regional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rcSO2) and fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) in preterm infants during their first 5 d after birth. We hypothesized that as a result of cerebral hypoperfusion, rcSO2 would be lower and FTOE would be higher.
Method:
In a prospective, observational study of 42 preterm infants (gestational age <32 wk), the infants' placentas were examined for histopathology. We measured rcSO2 and transcutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) on days 1-5. FTOE was calculated as FTOE = (transcutaneous SpO2 - rcSO2)/transcutaneous SpO2.
Results:
Only three placentas showed no pathology. Ascending intrauterine infection (AIUI) (n = 16) was associated with lower rcSO2 and higher FTOE values on days 2, 3, and 4 (P ≤ 0.05). Other placental lesions were not associated with rcSO2 and FTOE.
Conclusion:
AIUI is associated with lower rcSO2, and higher FTOE shortly after birth. The effect it has on cerebral oxygenation might be the mechanism leading to neurodevelopmental problems.
