COX-1 and COX-2 polymorphisms in susceptibility to cerebral palsy in very preterm infants.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a nonprogressive motor disorder caused by white matter damage in the developing brain. Recent epidemiological and clinical data suggest intrauterine infection/inflammation as the most common cause of preterm delivery and neonatal complications, including CP. Cyclooxygenases are key enzymes in the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins.