Korean J Pediatr.  2004 Feb;47(2):150-156.

The Effect of Histologic Chorioamnionitis on the Development of Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Chronic Lung Disease in Preterm Infants

• Jo HS
• Kim BI
• Choi CW
• Park JD
• Kim CJ
• Choi JH

Abstract

PURPOSE
Histologic chorioamnionitis may play a role in the development of respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) and chronic lung disease(CLD) independently or through its association with preterm birth. We investigated the relationship between histologic chorioamnionitis and clinical complications including, RDS and CLD, of preterm infants.
METHODS
Clinical data were collected retrospectively from 478 preterm infants(gestational period< or =34 weeks) who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) in Seoul National University Children's Hospital from January 1993 to December 2000.
RESULTS
Histologic chorioamnionitis(CA) was observed in 210 of 478 infants(44%). Lower gestational period was detected in CA(+) group(31+1 +/- 2+2 weeks vs. 30+1+/-2+3 weeks). CA(+) group had decreased incidence of RDS(38.4% vs. 28.1%)[odds ratio, OR 0.35(P=0.0004, 95% confidence intervals, CI 0.19-0.63)], and increased incidence of CLD(7.5% vs. 13.3%)[OR 1.95(P=0.047, 95% CI 1.01-3.79)] combined much more "atypical CLD"(10.5% vs. 55.6%). CA(+) group had decreased incidence of patent ductus arteriosus(33.3% vs. 25.4%)[OR 0.37(P=0.003, 95% CI 0.19-0.71)]. There was no difference between the two groups in birth weight.
CONCLUSION
It is suggested that intrauterine infections and fetal inflammatory responses might play a role in the outcome of preterm infants, and histologic chorioamnionitis is an isolated risk factor in the development of RDS and CLD of the preterm infants.

Keyword

Histologic chorioamnionitis; Respiratory distress syndrome; Chronic lung disease; Preterm infants

MeSH Terms

Birth Weight
Chorioamnionitis*
Female
Humans
Incidence
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Lung Diseases*
Lung*
Pregnancy
Premature Birth
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Seoul