Prediction scores based on neonatal inflammatory markers for chorioamnionitis and funisitis in extremely low gestational age neonates

Aim: The aim of the study was to examine the predictive value of inflammatory markers for chorioamnionitis and funisitis in extremely low gestational age neonates.

Methods: According to the Redline histopathological classification, extremely low gestational age neonates were classified into: (1) maternal inflammatory response ≤1 or ≥2, based on inflammatory findings of the placenta and (2) foetal inflammatory response ≤1 or ≥2, based on inflammatory findings of the umbilical cord. On admission and 12-36 h postnatally, procalcitonin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell and neutrophil counts were compared. For both maternal and foetal inflammatory responses ≥2, the predictive value of each inflammatory marker was calculated.

Results: On admission, procalcitonin had the best predictive value for maternal and foetal inflammatory response ≥2. The maternal inflammatory response ≥2 prediction score includes procalcitonin level on admission, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level and white blood cell count at 12-36 h postnatally. Foetal inflammatory response ≥2 prediction score includes procalcitonin level and white blood cell count on admission and 12-36 h postnatally. The sensitivities were 96.4% and 96.3%, respectively.

Conclusion: Procalcitonin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and white blood cell count provide highly sensitive prediction scores for chorioamnionitis and funisitis in extremely low gestational age neonates.