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Increase in 3-methylhistidine in umbilical cord blood from acidotic fetuses
David Garry1, Tolga Kokturk, Reinaldo Figueroa
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA.
Objective:
To examine the hypothesis that acidotic fetuses at birth have an increased catabolic state characterized by a negative nitrogen balance.
Study Design:
Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained from a random, prospective series of fetuses at birth. Acidotic samples (pH < 7.20) were matched with normals (pH > or = 7.20) according to maternal and gestational age. 3-Methylhistidine was analyzed in order to assess catabolic breakdown of muscle protein.
Results:
3-Methylhistidine was significantly increased (P < .05) in cord blood from acidotic fetuses when compared with controls and correlated negatively (P < .05) with umbilical arterial pH.
Conclusion:
Umbilical cord blood 3-methylhistidine may be used to assess fetal nitrogen balance; acidotic fetuses have increased muscle catabolism.