 Inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 IL-1β, IL-8, IL-9, tumor necrosis factor-α TNF-α, and RANTES but not anti-inflammatory cytokines released during the perinatal period have been associated with the development of periventricular leukomalacia PVL and cerebral palsy CP in near term and term infants. However, because blood samples were obtained on any day between day 1 and 18, these data cannot distinguish between prenatal and postnatal effects on neurological outcome. Furthermore, very low birth weight infants who are at the highest risk have not been studies. 