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Reduced mortality and increased BPD with histological chorioamnionitis and leukocytosis in very-low-birth-weight infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 30, pages 58–62 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate the association between leukocytosis, mortality and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBW) born to mothers with histological chorioamnionitis.

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study from a single level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. The study sample included infants born to mothers with histological chorioamnionitis (n=252). Total white blood cells (WBCs) after birth were measured. Leukocytosis was defined as a total WBC count >30 000 per mm3 in the first 2 days of life. Outcomes investigated included BPD and death. Both unadjusted and multivariable analyses were carried out.

Result:

After controlling for potential confounding variables, infants who developed a leukocytosis after birth had increased odds of BPD (4.6, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 2.0 to 10.3), but decreased odds of death (0.3, 95% CI: 0.1 to 0.90).

Conclusion:

In our population of VLBW infants born to mothers with histological chorioamnionitis, leukocytosis after birth is associated with a decrease in mortality but an increase in BPD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA

    D A Paul, A Mackley & R G Locke

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    D A Paul, K Zook & R G Locke

Authors
  1. D A Paul
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  2. K Zook
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  3. A Mackley
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  4. R G Locke
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Correspondence to D A Paul.

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Paul, D., Zook, K., Mackley, A. et al. Reduced mortality and increased BPD with histological chorioamnionitis and leukocytosis in very-low-birth-weight infants. J Perinatol 30, 58–62 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2009.113

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