The goal of this observational study or clinical trial is to evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) and lactate levels in maternal and cord blood to identify early signs of fetal inflammation or infection. Two groups of women with full-term pregnancies will be compared: • Case group (SOFI): women with a cardiotocograph (CTG) pattern suspicious for fetal infection/inflammation • Control group (NEFI): women with a normal cardiotocograph (CTG) pattern without signs of inflammation. The primary outcome is to evaluate whether IL-6 levels detected in the umbilical artery, alone or in combination with maternal IL-6 values, are associated with a cardiotocograph (CTG) pattern suggestive of fetal inflammation and/or a clinical picture suggestive of chorioamnionitis. Identifying a possible correlation between IL-6/lactate levels and fetal inflammatory status could facilitate more timely treatment of at-risk infants in the future, contributing to the reduction of adverse outcomes both in the neonatal period and in the long-term. Secondary outcome are: -Comparison of fetal and maternal IL-6 levels between infants with a composite adverse outcome; - Comparison of fetal and maternal IL-6 levels in patients with and without signs of histological chorioamnionitis.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
160
The study involves the collection of an additional aliquot of cord blood and an additional aliquot of maternal venous blood.
Policlinico Gemelli
Roma, RM, Italy
fetal and maternal IL6 levels
Comparison of fetal and maternal IL-6 levels between CTGs with "Suggestive for Fetal Inflammation" (SOFI) criteria and those with "Non Evidence of Fetal Inflammation" (NEFI)
Time frame: 1 day
IL6 and neonatal outcome
Comparison of fetal and maternal IL-6 levels between newborns with a composite adverse outcome
Time frame: 15 days
IL6 and histopathology
Comparison of fetal and maternal IL-6 levels in patients with and without signs of histological chorioamnionitis.
Time frame: 1 month
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