Correlation between nucleated red blood cell counts and histologic chorioamnionitis in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: The null hypothesis is that nucleated red blood cell {NRBC) counts are not different in preterm infants with or without clinical or histologie chorioamnionitis (CCA or HCA) when controlling for gestational age (GA) and birthweight percentile (BWP). STUDY DESIGN: NRBC counts were obtained in preterm infants within 24 hours of delivery following preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes. Infants were grouped based on the presence of CCA or HCA. NRBC counts were compared between groups, and regression analysis controlling for GA and BWP was performed. RESULTS: In 359 infants, both CCA and HCA were associated with increased NRBC counts. In the regression analysis, HCA retained significance. CONCLUSIONS: HCA produces an erythropoetic response in the fetus. Whether this is a direct response to mediators of inflammation, or is secondary to a rise in erythropoetin is unknown.