Preterm birth: Inflammation, fetal injury and treatment strategies

Abstract Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of childhood mortality in children under 5 and accounts for approximately 11% of births worldwide. Premature babies are at risk of a number of health complications, notably cerebral palsy, but also respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Preterm...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of reproductive immunology 2017-02, Vol.119, p.62-66
Main Authors: Boyle, Ashley K, Rinaldi, Sara F, Norman, Jane E, Stock, Sarah J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Clinical Trials as Topic
Female
Fetal Development - immunology
Fetal injury
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Newborn, Diseases - immunology
Infant, Newborn, Diseases - prevention & control
Inflammation
Inflammation - immunology
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Precision Medicine
Pregnancy
Premature Birth - immunology
Premature Birth - prevention & control
Preterm birth
Tocolytic Agents - therapeutic use
Uterus - immunology
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Summary:Abstract Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of childhood mortality in children under 5 and accounts for approximately 11% of births worldwide. Premature babies are at risk of a number of health complications, notably cerebral palsy, but also respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. Preterm deliveries can be medically indicated/elective procedures or they can occur spontaneously. Spontaneous PTB is commonly associated with intrauterine infection/inflammation. The presence of inflammatory mediators in utero has been associated with fetal injury, particularly affecting the fetal lungs and brain. This review will outline (i) the role of inflammation in term and PTB, (ii) the effect infection/inflammation has on fetal development and (iii) recent strategies to target PTB. Further research is urgently required to develop effective methods for the prevention and treatment of PTB and above all, to reduce fetal injury.
ISSN:0165-0378
1872-7603
DOI:10.1016/j.jri.2016.11.008