Fetal Thymus Involution as a Predictor of Adverse Neonatal Outcomes

Completed

Conditions: Women Admitted to Labor and Delivery for the Management of Preterm Labor and/or Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

Brief Summary: The thymus gland is a specialized organ in the chest that plays a central role in the adaptive immune system throughout development until puberty. In response to stress, the fetal thymus gland may shrink, or involute. The investigators propose a prospective cohort study that will enroll pregnant women admitted to labor and delivery for the management of preterm labor and/or preterm premature rupture of membranes from 28-36 weeks gestation. Based on sonographic thymus measurements, the investigators will develop a clinical prediction tool to identify babies who are at increased risk for adverse neonatal outcomes. A reliable non-invasive predictor of adverse neonatal outcome using thymic ultrasound measurements has the potential to affect clinical management, improve outcomes for premature babies, and direct further research efforts.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Singleton pregnancy between 28-36 weeks gestation
Active spontaneous preterm labor symptoms (contractions, cervical dilatation and/or PPROM)

Exclusion Criteria

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Respiratory Distress	Date of delivery up to 1 year	Neonatal respiratory compromise defined as respiratory distress requiring any CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and or ventilator therapy.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method

Locations (1): Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
🇺🇸
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

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