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Plasma endothelin-1 like immunoreactivity levels in neonates.
T Kojima1, Y Isozaki-Fukuda, M Takedatsu
1Department of Paediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Elevated plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels indicate pulmonary endothelium injury in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). ET-1 may serve as a specific marker for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Cardiovascular research
- Pulmonary medicine
Background:
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor with potential roles in neonatal respiratory conditions.
- Understanding ET-1's physiological significance in neonates with respiratory distress is crucial for diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure plasma ET-1 levels in neonates with various respiratory conditions.
- To investigate the correlation between plasma ET-1 levels and the severity/type of respiratory distress.
Main Methods:
- Plasma ET-1-like immunoreactivity was quantified in 29 neonates.
- Infant groups included respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN), neonatal asphyxia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), healthy preterm, and healthy full-term infants.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher plasma ET-1 levels were observed in infants with RDS compared to healthy full-term infants during the first week of life.
- Infants with neonatal asphyxia showed transiently elevated ET-1 levels, while TTN infants had normal levels.
- Elevated ET-1 levels persisted for up to two months in infants with BPD compared to healthy preterm infants.
Conclusions:
- Plasma ET-1 levels are markedly elevated in infants with respiratory distress, particularly RDS and BPD.
- Elevated plasma ET-1 may serve as a specific biomarker for pulmonary endothelium injury in neonates experiencing respiratory distress.