The systemic fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) is a condition, which is usually subclinical, and is characterized by fetal immune systém activation. The presence of FIRS is known to be strongly associated with preterm labor, particularly in the setting of preterm premature rupture of the membranes. FIRS is associated with perinatal morbidity and death independent of its association with premature birth. FIRS is defined by elevations in the level interleukin 6 or funisitis or both. Infection and other stress processes may cause acute thymic involution by the activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Activation of the adrenal glands of the fetus and acute thymic involution are associated with morphological changes in these organs. The size of the fetal thymus is decreased but the adrenal glands are increased in size in women with chorioamnionitis. Measurement of the fetal thymus and adrenal glands might therefore allow an early diagnosis of FIRS in cases of premature preterm rupture of the membranes. (en)
1.Zjištění rozdílu ultrazvukové velikosti fetálního thymu a fetální nadledvinky u plodů s FIRS ve srovnání se zdravými plody. 2.Možnosti využití poměru velikostí fetálního thymu a fetální nadledvinky k diagnostice FIRS. 3.Možnosti využití poměru kortizolu/DHEAS z fetální krve k diagnostice FIRS.