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The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a systemic fetal inflammatory response is a risk factor for the subsequent development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates.

The relationship between interleukin 6 concentrations in umbilical cord plasma at birth and the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was examined in 203 preterm births (25-34 weeks). Ninety-six patients underwent transabdominal amniocentesis within 5 days of birth. The relationship between umbilical cord plasma interleukin 6 concentration and bronchopulmonary dysplasia was compared with the relationship between amniotic fluid interleukin 6 concentration and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Interleukin 6 was measured by specific immunoassay. Logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was diagnosed in 17% (34/203) of the infants …