Inflammation and Infection

Infection and inflammation have been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for preterm parturition, as well as fetal injury (short term and long term). Of all the proposed mechanisms of disease responsible for spontaneous preterm labor and delivery, infection and/or inflammation is the only pathologic process for which a firm causal link has been established. Moreover, a well-defined molecular pathophysiology has been described. Most cases of intrauterine infection/inflammation are sub-clinical in nature. This chapter reviews the frequency of intra-amniotic infection, the mechanisms for the onset of preterm parturition, and the fetal inflammatory response syndrome.