Yet, placental pathology results only arrive days after delivery—leaving clinicians to make critical decisions before all the facts are in. What This Means for CliniciansThe results show that cord blood PCT and early CRP can serve as early markers of intrauterine inflammation—well before histopathological results become available. While more research is needed, these markers can help clinicians act faster and smarter for preterm infants at greatest risk. Key Takeaways:Placental inflammation is strongly linked to higher cord blood PCT and early CRP in preterm infants. Citation:Šantić K, Bogojević I, Šahinović I, Kralik K, Rajc J, Pušeljić S, Kardum D. Histopathological placental inflammation and umbilical cord blood inflammatory biomarkers in preterm infants: a prospective cohort study.