Awareness of Wilson-Mikity Syndrome: A Rare Complication of Chorioamnionitis

Objective: Wilson-Mikity syndrome is a rare neonatal morbidity of chorioamnionitis. It is characterized by insidious onset of progressive respiratory distress and may eventually lead to diffusely emphysematous lung changes. We report a mother who suffered from chorioamnionitis and who delivered a pr...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wan-Yi Huang, Yu-Hsuan Yang, Chun-Kuang Yang, Jin-Chung Shih
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2005-09-01
Series:Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1028455909601558
Description
Summary:Objective: Wilson-Mikity syndrome is a rare neonatal morbidity of chorioamnionitis. It is characterized by insidious onset of progressive respiratory distress and may eventually lead to diffusely emphysematous lung changes. We report a mother who suffered from chorioamnionitis and who delivered a premature infant with Wilson-Mikity syndrome that was confirmed after delivery. Case Report: A 33-year-old woman received tocolytic therapy from 19 weeks of gestation. Preterm premature rupture of membranes occurred at 24 weeks of gestation. Amniotic fluid culture yielded pseudomonas infection at 26 weeks of gestation. Despite supplementary tocolytics and a third-generation cephalosporin, a premature female infant was delivered vaginally at 26 weeks of gestation. Deteriorating respiratory symptoms and early chronic lung changes on chest radiography were found from the early third week of life. Wilson-Mikity syndrome was diagnosed based on the clinical and radiologic manifestations. The baby's respiratory condition improved under combination therapy with antibiotics, a bronchodilator, a steroid, and a synthetic surfactant, but she was hospitalized because of feeding problems. Conclusion: The obstetrician must be aware of Wilson-Mikity syndrome as a rare complication of chorioamnionitis. This entity should raise concerns about decision making and counseling for patients with suspicious chorioamnionitis, such as requirement for tocolysis or intended preterm birth.
ISSN:1028-4559