Lipopolysaccharide and Soluble CD14 in Cord Blood Plasma are associated with Prematurity and Chorioamnionitis

摘要

BackgroundLipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin of gram-negative bacteria, causes preterm birth in animals and has been implicated as a factor triggering preterm labor and systemic complications in humans. Little is known regarding LPS in the cord blood (CB) of term and preterm infants and its association with maternal and fetal characteristics.