Fetal immunological and haematological changes in intrauterine infection [see comments]

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1994. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Fetal immunological and haematological changes in intrauterine infection [see comments]

Br J Obstet Gynaecol. 1994 May;101(5):418-21. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/94289360
Thilaganathan B; Carroll SG; Plachouras N; Makrydimas G; Nicolaides KH; Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, King's; College Hospital School of Medicine, London, UK.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study fetal immunological and haematological changes to intrauterine infection. DESIGN: In 37 pregnancies at risk of intrauterine infection, fetal blood obtained by cordocentesis at 20 to 36 weeks gestation was used for differential leucocyte counts, platelet count, enumeration of lymphocyte subpopulations, and neutrophil adhesion receptor expression. SETTING: Harris Birthright Research Centre for Fetal Medicine, London. RESULTS: All four fetuses with viral infections had platelet counts below the 5th centile and three had natural killer (NK) cell counts greater than the 95th centile of the normal range. Similarly, all five fetuses with bacterial or candidal infection had neutrophil counts greater than the 95th centile of the normal range; lymphocyte subpopulations were normal. CONCLUSIONS: In pregnancies complicated by intrauterine infection, fetuses exhibit NK cell lymphocytosis and thrombocytopenia in response to viraemia, and neutrophilia in response to bacteraemia from at least 21 weeks gestation.

Keywords: Bacterial Infections/BLOOD/*IMMUNOLOGY CD4-CD8 Ratio Female Fetal Blood Fetal Diseases/BLOOD/*IMMUNOLOGY Human Killer Cells, Natural/*IMMUNOLOGY Leukocyte Count Neutropenia/ETIOLOGY Platelet Count Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/*IMMUNOLOGY Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Thrombocytopenia/ETIOLOGY Virus Diseases/BLOOD/*IMMUNOLOGY JOURNAL ARTICLE
Comment in: Br J Obstet Gynaecol 1995 Jan;102(1):79
941030
M94A0789

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1994. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1994. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .