Umbilical activin A concentration as an early marker of perinatal hypoxia

To evaluate activin A as a potential, early marker of perinatal hypoxia and to analyze factors, other than hypoxia, which influence on activin A concentration.

Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from 86 newborns with gestational age 30-41. Of the 86 newborns, 26 were regarded as hypoxic. Activin A concentrations were measured by means of specific two-site enzyme immunoassays. Activin A concentrations were correlated with newborns' gender, week gestation, mode of delivery and blood gas measurements.

Activin A levels were significantly higher in hypoxic than nonhypoxic newborns (medians, minimum and maximum values: 1.516; 0.149 -1.974 versus 0.368; 0.054 - 1.041 ng/mL, p = 0.0452). Activin A concentration was significantly higher in male newborns (p = 0.0074). Activin A levels were lower in term than preterm babies but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.2368 in hypoxic, p = 0.2487 nonhypoxic). Mode of delivery did not influence on activin A concentration (p = 0.8293 hypoxic, p = 0.9458 nonhypoxic). The differences of occurrence of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in both group was not statistically significant (p = 0.61).

Umbilical artery activin A combined with other markers of hypoxia could be a useful marker of perinatal hypoxia. Concentration of activin A is significantly higher in male newborns. The mode and time of delivery have no influence on activin A concentration.