A condition that might trigger the Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) in a child or adult can result in the Fetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS) in a fetus or neonate.
Features of FIRS:
(1) systemic inflammation, usually triggered by an intrauterine infection, preterm labor and/or premature rupture of the membranes
(2) elevated cytokines in the amniotic fluid
(3) elevated cytokines (espeically IL-6) in fetal serum
(4) multi-organ damage
The placenta of a fetus with FIRS may show funisitis, villitis and/or chorioamnionitis.
Complications that may occur in infants with FIRS:
(1) intrauterine fetal demise
(2) respiratory distress syndrome
(3) neonatal sepsis
(4) periventricular leukomalacia
(5) cerebral palsy
(6) bronchopulmonary dysplasia
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