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Maternal Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants

Francesca Gallini1,2, Domenico Umberto De Rose1,3, Maria Coppola1

  • 1Neonatology Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Rome, Italy.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|September 1, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Maternal Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization in pregnancy was linked to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants, specifically affecting locomotor abilities. This highlights potential risks for infant development following such infections during gestation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal development
  • Microbiology
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma species are associated with pregnancy complications and adverse neonatal outcomes.
  • Maternal colonization may impact fetal development and long-term health.
  • Understanding these effects is crucial for improving neonatal care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants born to mothers with Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization.
  • To identify specific areas of development affected by maternal colonization.
  • To evaluate the impact on infants born at ≤ 30 weeks gestational age.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective follow-up study of preterm infants (≤ 30 weeks gestational age).
  • Infants categorized into exposed (maternal colonization) and unexposed groups.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment at 24 ± 3 months using Griffith's Mental Developmental Scales (GMDS).

Main Results:

  • 12.6% of 254 preterm infants were exposed to Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma.
  • No significant difference in overall Griffith's Developmental Quotient between exposed (106) and unexposed (108.9) infants.
  • Exposed infants showed significantly poorer locomotor scores (100.7) compared to unexposed infants (111.5).

Conclusions:

  • Maternal Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma colonization did not significantly affect overall neurodevelopmental scores in preterm infants.
  • Locomotor abilities were significantly impaired in infants exposed to maternal colonization.
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term implications of these findings.
Keywords:
cognitivemotor outcomesmotor performanceneonateneurodevelopmentnewbornpregnantprematurity—risk assessment and prevention

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