Perinatal blood biomarkers for the identification of brain injury in very low birth weight growth-restricted infants

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Abstract

Objective: To determine if blood biomarkers measured at delivery and shortly after birth can identify growth-restricted infants at risk for developing severe brain injury. Study design: In a cohort of very low birth weight neonates, fetal growth restricted (FGR) (birth weight <10%) were compared to non-FGR neonates, and within the FGR group those with brain injury were compared to those without. Biomarkers were measured in cord blood at delivery, and daily for the 1st 5 days of life. Result: FGR was associated with significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-10, and lower levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). FGR and brain injury were associated with significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Conclusion: Interleukins may be involved in a common pathway contributing to both the development of growth restriction and brain injury, and GFAP may help identify brain injury within this growth-restricted group.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2252-2260
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Perinatology
Volume41
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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