Elevated Cord Macroglobulins in the Diagnosis of Intrauterine Infections

Abstract

INFECTION in utero can result in stillbirth, prematurity, malformation, growth failure and mental retardation.1 2 3 4 5 Rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, Treponema pallidum and toxoplasma are known causes of intrauterine infections that lead to fetal damage. Other agents, including mumps, influenza, Coxsackie, ECHO and vaccinia viruses, may be implicated.1 2 3 The incidence and etiology of these infections cannot be determined with any degree of accuracy by a retrospective study of illness during pregnancy, primarily because it is difficult to recollect trivial or short lasting symptoms or to establish an exact microbiologic diagnosis six months later. A clinical survey of newborn infants is also unsatisfactory since . . .