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Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
Published on: October 31, 2025
'Haptoglobin concentrations in preterm and term newborns'
S Chavez-Bueno1, J A Beasley, J M Goldbeck
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA. Susana-Chavez-Bueno@ouhsc.edu
Objective:
To measure systemic haptoglobin (HPT) concentrations from birth in preterm (PT) and T newborns. To compare HPT in newborns without hemolysis or infection with values in bacteremic newborns.
Study Design:
HPT was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 PT and 28 T newborns without hemolysis or infection at birth (cord blood), on days of life 2 to 4, and at 1 to 2 weeks of life. Concentrations were measured in eight additional newborns with bacteremia. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons.
Result:
HPT concentrations were consistently measurable from birth in PT and T neonates. Values were significantly greater in 2- to 4-day-old PT and T newborns than in newborns at birth (P<0.01). Bacteremic newborns had higher HPT concentrations than newborns without infection (P=0.033).
Conclusion:
HPT is detectable from birth in PT and T newborns. HPT concentrations increase in bacteremic newborns. HPT levels may have clinical utility in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis.
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