The finding of polymorphs in the lung alveoli of fresh stillbirths and very early neo natal deaths is traditionally known as congenital pneumonia, though clear histological signs of pulmonary inflammation are lacking in most cases. An analysis of their clinical features is presented which supports the view that such pneumonia is a passively acquired condition due to asphyxial aspiration of maternal inflammatory cells.
True congenital pneumonia due to transplacental infection is rare, and is often but one manifestation of a generalized disease.
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