Developmental regulation of the immune system.
Term newborns have a higher frequency of microbial infections than older children and adults. Extremely premature newborns (<28 weeks gestation) have an even higher frequency. Quantitative and qualitative differences in the development of the immune system have been identified as a partial explanation for the increase in the incidence of infectious sequelae in these two patient populations. A less studied population of patients is late preterm newborns that are 34 to 35 6/7 weeks gestation. In general, this subset of patients is frequently grouped with term newborns. However, recent studies have provided data suggesting a potential unrecognized risk to health in this population, including at least a clinical suspicion for an increased risk of sepsis. Although little specific data on the host-defense capability of the near-term newborn exist, recent advancements in developmental immunology provide a framework for understanding the mechanisms underlying the propensity of infections in the preterm, near-term, and term newborn.
Clapp
D Wade
DW
Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Herman B. Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, 46202, USA. dclapp@iupui.edu
D000818:Animals; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006413:Hematopoietic System / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000276:immunology
D051193:Toll-Like Receptors