Urinary ß2-microglobulin in very preterm neonates with chorioamnionitis

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Perinatal Medicine
• Biomarkers

Background:

• Prenatal inflammation is linked to complications in premature infants.
• Identifying infants with prenatal inflammation is crucial for management.
• Urinary beta-2 microglobulin (β(2)-MG) is a potential biomarker for kidney function and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of prenatal inflammation, specifically chorioamnionitis (CAM), on urinary β(2)-MG levels in preterm neonates.
• To determine if urinary β(2)-MG can serve as an early indicator of prenatal inflammation in premature infants.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of preterm neonates was divided into groups based on the presence (CAM) or absence (non-CAM) of chorioamnionitis.
• Participants were further stratified by gestational age groups: 23-26, 27-28, 29-30, 31-32, and 33-34 weeks.
• Urinary β(2)-MG levels were measured within 48 hours and at 1 week after birth.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher urinary β(2)-MG levels were observed in the CAM group compared to the non-CAM group for neonates aged 23-26 and 27-28 weeks' gestation.
• No significant difference in urinary β(2)-MG levels was found between CAM and non-CAM groups for neonates ≥ 29 weeks' gestation.
• Elevated urinary β(2)-MG levels in neonates ≤ 28 weeks' gestation with CAM normalized by 1 week postpartum.

Conclusions:

• Elevated urinary β(2)-MG levels within 48 hours of birth in very preterm neonates (≤ 28 weeks' gestation) with CAM are associated with both prematurity and prenatal inflammation.
• Urinary β(2)-MG measurement in the early postnatal period can help identify prenatal inflammation in very preterm infants.
• This finding supports the use of urinary β(2)-MG as a potential biomarker for early detection of adverse perinatal conditions.