Relationship between premature brain injury and multiple biomarkers in cord blood and amniotic fluid

Hongyan Lu1, Weiling Huang1,2, Xiaoqing Chen3

  • 1a Department of Pediatrics , Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University , Zhenjiang , China.

Insights

Biomarkers in cord blood and amniotic fluid, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and S100B, can predict premature brain injury in infants. These findings aid in early detection and monitoring of brain damage in preterm neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Premature birth poses significant risks for neonatal brain injury.
  • Early detection of brain injury is crucial for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
  • Identifying reliable biomarkers is essential for monitoring brain health in preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between specific biomarkers in cord blood and amniotic fluid and the occurrence of premature brain injury.
  • To identify potential biomarkers for the early detection and monitoring of brain injury in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated 130 singleton premature infants (gestational age < 34 weeks).
  • Classified infants into brain injury and no brain injury groups based on neuroimaging.
  • Measured eleven biomarkers in cord blood and amniotic fluid.

Main Results:

  • Elevated levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, G-CSF, MCP-1, sICAM-1, S100B, and activin A were observed in infants with brain injury.
  • S100B in amniotic fluid and IL-1β in cord blood showed high sensitivity for predicting brain injury.
  • Activin A demonstrated high specificity in both cord blood and amniotic fluid for predicting brain injury.

Conclusions:

  • Multiple biomarkers in umbilical cord blood and amniotic fluid show predictive value for preterm brain injury.
  • Specific biomarkers like S100B, IL-1β, and activin A hold promise for early diagnosis and monitoring.
Abstract

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