Limiting the Exposure of Select Fetuses to Intrauterine Infection/Inflammation Improves Short-Term Neonatal Outcomes...

To improve neonatal outcomes in pregnancies at heightened risk for early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS), there is a need to identify fetuses that benefit from expectant management as opposed to early delivery. Detectable haptoglobin and haptoglobin-related protein (Hp&HpRP switch-on status) in cord blood has been proposed as a biomarker of antenatal exposure to intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI), an important determinant of EONS.

We analyzed 185 singleton newborns delivered secondary to preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). In 123 cases, amniocentesis was performed to exclude amniotic fluid (AF) infection. Delivery was indicated for 61 cases with confirmed infection. Women without AF infection (n = 62) and those without amniocentesis (n = 62) were managed expectantly. Interleukin 6 and Hp&HpRP switch-on status were evaluated by ELISA and Western blot. Newborns were followed prospectively for short-term outcomes until hospital discharge or death.

Newborns exposed antenatally to IAI had an increased risk of adverse neonatal outcome [OR: 3.0 (95% CI: 1.15-7.59)]. Increasing gestational age [OR: 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.70)] and management with amniocentesis [OR: 0.37 (95% CI: 0.14-0.95)] lowered the newborn's risk of developing adverse outcomes.

In the setting of PPROM and IAI, early delivery benefits a select subgroup of fetuses that have not yet progressed to Hp&HpRP switch-on status.