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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Fetal Mouse Cardiovascular Imaging Using a High-frequency Ultrasound (30/45MHZ) System
Published on: May 5, 2018
Fetal hypoxia is associated with elevated cord serum C-reactive protein levels in diabetic pregnancies
Mikko Loukovaara1, Pekka Leinonen, Kari Teramo
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. mikko.loukovaara@hus.fi
Abstract:
Maternal diabetes increases the risk of intrauterine hypoxia. Inflammation may play a role in the pathogenesis of hypoxia-related neonatal complications. We studied correlations between levels of cord serum C-reactive protein (CRP), measured by a highly sensitive immunofluorometric assay, and indices of fetal hypoxia in diabetic pregnancies. Cord serum CRP correlated positively with amniotic fluid erythropoietin and umbilical artery pCO2. A negative correlation existed between cord serum CRP and umbilical artery pH and pO2. Amniotic fluid erythropoietin showed an independent effect on cord serum CRP in multiple regression analysis. These data suggest that the fetus responds to hypoxia by an inflammatory reaction.
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