Chorioamnionitis increases matrix metalloproteinase-8 concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from preterm babies.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of chorioamnionitis and antenatal corticosteroids on matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid from preterm babies in the first week of life.


METHODS
Prospective observational study.


METHODS
Regional neonatal intensive care unit.


METHODS
Thirty five ventilated preterm babies < 33 weeks gestation, seven of whom were born after chorioamnionitis, which was diagnosed histologically as the presence of inflammatory cells in the chorioamnionic plate.


METHODS
MMP-8 was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 90 serial BAL samples taken during the first six postnatal days. The median MMP-8 concentration for each baby was calculated.


RESULTS
Median MMP-8 concentrations were higher in the chorioamnionitis group than in those without (43 v 5 ng/ml). Partial or complete courses of antenatal corticosteroids had no effect on MMP-8 concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher concentrations of MMP-8 are found in BAL fluid from preterm babies from pregnancies complicated by chorioamnionitis. This type I collagenase may contribute to the lung injury that occurs in some babies with respiratory distress syndrome.
Curley
A E
AE
Department of Child Health, Queen's University Belfast, and the Regional Neonatal Unit, Royal Maternity Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Sweet
D G
DG
MacMahon
K J
KJ
O'Connor
C M
CM
Halliday
H L
HL
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000150:complications*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000502:physiology; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8 / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D020784:Matrix Metalloproteinase 8