Placental lipid contents in preterm labor complicated by chorioamnionitis.

Fifteen decidua free placental samples from nine preterm deliveries without evidence of chorioamnionitis and six preterm deliveries with evidence of chorioamnionitis were analyzed for fatty acids contents. The percentage of arachidonic acid in phospholipids, in free fatty acids, in triglycerides and cholesterol esters were also measured in each sample. Arachidonic acid was found to be present in significantly increased amounts in the placentas of women with chorioamnionitis and preterm delivery, as compared to those of women with preterm delivery and the absence of chorioamnionitis.