title: Chlamydia trachomatis in neonatal respiratory distress of very preterm babies: biphasic clinical picture.
abstract: We observed 12 very preterm infants (10 males) with a peculiar respiratory syndrome characterized by early onset soon after birth and by a biphasic course. The severe first phase was characterized by a clinical pattern mimicking the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity. Gradually, respiratory symptoms decreased and assisted ventilation with oxygen therapy was reduced. In the second phase, a significant worsening of respiratory signs and the appearance of apneic spells were observed. Chest X-ray showed hypoexpansion of the lungs and the prevalence of a fine reticular pattern. Chlamydia trachomatis was identified in this second phase in conjunctival and pharyngeal swabs and/or on tracheal aspirates. Our data suggest that in the very preterm infants, chlamydial infection shows different clinical and laboratory features if compared with Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia of infants born at term.
authors.affiliation: CNR Institute of Experimental Medicine, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sollecito
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Midulla
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bavastrelli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Panero
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marzetti
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Salzano
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Roggini
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bucci
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002690:Chlamydia Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D002692:Chlamydia trachomatis; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012384:Rome / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents