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Published on: August 12, 2020
Increased cord serum inflammatory markers in small-for-gestational-age neonates
G Amarilyo1, A Oren, F B Mimouni
1Department of Neonatology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
Summary
Infants experiencing small-for-gestational-age (SGA) birth have higher levels of inflammatory markers in cord blood. This finding suggests a link between fetal hypoxia and inflammation, impacting infant health.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Neonatology
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Ischemic tissue injury and inflammation share pathological features.
- Hypoxia can induce interleukin-6 (IL-6), potentially modulating inflammatory responses.
- Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) serves as a model for chronic fetal hypoxia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate elevated inflammatory marker concentrations in the cord blood of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants.
- To explore the relationship between fetal hypoxia and inflammation in newborns.
Main Methods:
- Cord blood samples were collected from 20 SGA infants and 20 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) controls.
- Exclusion criteria included maternal smoking, diabetes, chronic diseases, or substance use.
- Cytokines, thrombopoietin (TPO), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured using ELISA and turbidometric immunoassay.
Main Results:
- SGA infants exhibited significantly lower birth weight and gestational age compared to AGA controls.
- Elevated levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), CRP, and TPO were observed in SGA infants.
- These inflammatory marker elevations remained significant even after adjusting for gestational age.
Conclusions:
- The study confirmed the hypothesis of increased inflammatory markers in SGA infants' cord blood.
- Findings suggest a correlation between chronic fetal hypoxia, IUGR, and heightened inflammatory status at birth.
