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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Mouse Models of Periventricular Leukomalacia
Published on: May 18, 2010
Relationship between serum lactate level and periventricular leukomalacia
Hiroyuki Kidokoro1, Masaki Shimizu, Hirofumi Kimoto
1Department of Pediatrics, Anjo Kosei Hospital, 28 Tokoubann, Anjo-cho, Anjo-shi, Aichi 486-8510, Japan. kidokoro@wc4.so-net.ne.jp
Insights
Serum lactate levels were not elevated in preterm infants diagnosed with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL). This study suggests serum lactate is not a reliable predictor for developing PVL in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal research
- Pediatric neurology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a serious neonatal brain injury in preterm infants.
- Injury is presumed to occur around birth, but early biomarkers are needed.
- Serum lactate is a potential indicator of hypoxic injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate serum lactate levels in preterm infants with PVL.
- To determine if serum lactate can predict PVL development.
Main Methods:
- Case-control study design.
- Included 13 preterm infants with cystic PVL and 26 controls matched for gestational age.
- Repeated serum lactate measurements within 72 hours of birth.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in mean serum lactate levels between PVL and control groups.
- Lactate levels ranged from 2.95+/-0.43 mmol/L in PVL infants to 3.21+/-0.29 mmol/L in controls.
- No significant differences observed at any time point within the first 72 hours.
Conclusions:
- Serum lactate levels are not elevated in preterm infants with PVL.
- Serum lactate is not a useful predictor for the development of PVL.
Abstract:
In a case control study, we evaluated the serum lactate levels during the early days of life in preterm infants with periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), who were presumed to have suffered injury around birth. Thirteen infants diagnosed by ultrasonography as suffering from cystic PVL during the neonatal period and 26 normally developed infants matched by gestational age were enrolled in the study. The serum lactate level was measured repeatedly during the 72 h after birth. The mean serum lactate levels on admission were 2.95+/-0.43 and 3.21+/-0.29 mmol/L in the PVL and control groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the serum lactate level between the groups at any point during the first 72 h after birth. In conclusion, the serum lactate level was not elevated in preterm infants with PVL suggesting that the serum lactate level is not a useful predictor for the development of PVL in infants.