Intrauterine inflammation, infection, or both (Triple I): A new concept for chorioamnionitis

Abstract

Chorioamnionitis is a common cause of preterm birth and may cause adverse neonatal outcomes, including neurodevelopmental sequelae. Chorioamnionitis has been marked to a heterogeneous setting of conditions characterized by infection or inflammation or both, followed by a great variety in clinical practice for mothers and their newborns. Recently, a descriptive term: “intrauterine inflammation or infection or both” abbreviated as “Triple I” has been proposed by a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development expert panel to replace the term chorioamnionitis. It is particularly important to recognize that an isolated maternal fever does not automatically equate to chorioamnionitis. This article will review the current literature on chorioamnionitis, and introduce the concept of Triple I, as well as recommendations for assessment and management of pregnant women and their newborns with a diagnosis of Triple I.