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Intrauterine infection, immune system and premature birth

Fernanda Rodrigues Helmo1, Eduardo Arthur Rodovalho Alves2, Renata Alves de Andrade Moreira2

  • 1a Department of General Pathology , Institute of Biological and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro , Minas Gerais , Brazil.

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|April 21, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Ascending intrauterine infection and fetal inflammatory response are key triggers for preterm birth, leading to severe neonatal complications. Early diagnosis biomarkers are crucial for managing these risks.

Area of Science:

  • Reproductive biology
  • Immunology
  • Neonatal health

Background:

  • Preterm birth causes nearly one million childhood deaths annually.
  • Ascending intrauterine infection and fetal inflammatory response are primary triggers.
  • Neonatal immune deficiencies exacerbate complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review scientific findings on the link between intrauterine infection, immune response, and preterm birth.
  • To highlight the role of inflammation in preterm birth pathogenesis.
  • To discuss the need for early diagnostic biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific findings.
  • Analysis of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6).
  • Examination of immune response in preterm neonates (IgG, Th1/Th2 cells).

Main Results:

  • Intrauterine infection triggers intense inflammation, damaging fetal membranes and altering the cervix.
  • Preterm neonates exhibit impaired immune responses, increasing susceptibility to infections.
  • This inflammatory and immune triad contributes to neonatal complications like RDS and NEC.

Conclusions:

  • Ascending intrauterine infection and fetal inflammatory response are critical factors in preterm birth.
  • Understanding the immune system's role is vital for preventing preterm birth.
  • Identifying early diagnostic biomarkers for intrauterine infection is essential.

Keywords:
Prematurityascending intrauterine infectionimmune systeminflammationinflammatory response

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