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Neuron specific enolase in amniotic fluid--a possible indicator for fetal distress and brain implication
J Zinsmeyer1, P J Marangos, E P Issel
1Institute of Pathological and Clinical Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Charité, Humboldt University, Berlin, GDR.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Elevated neuron specific enolase (NSE) in amniotic fluid may indicate fetal brain damage. High-risk pregnancies with factors like meconium staining showed significantly higher NSE levels, suggesting its potential as a biomarker for hypoxic brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Obstetrics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neuron specific enolase (NSE) is primarily found in neurons and neuroendocrine cells.
- Elevated NSE in body fluids may suggest neuronal damage.
- Investigating NSE in amniotic fluid could offer insights into fetal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the concentration of neuron specific enolase (NSE) in the amniotic fluid of normal and high-risk pregnancies.
- To assess the correlation of NSE levels with various pregnancy and fetal factors.
- To evaluate the potential of amniotic fluid NSE as a biomarker for fetal brain injury.
Main Methods:
- Collected 63 amniotic fluid samples from 55 pregnant women (19-42 weeks gestation).
- Measured NSE concentrations using established laboratory techniques.
- Analyzed NSE levels in relation to gestational age, maternal factors, and fetal/birth complications.
Main Results:
- Normal pregnancies had an average NSE of 1.02 +/- 0.31 microgram/L.
- Maternal diseases did not significantly alter amniotic fluid NSE levels.
- High-risk factors (meconium, cord issues, fetal distress) significantly increased NSE to 2.22 +/- 0.87 microgram/L.
Conclusions:
- Amniotic fluid NSE levels are significantly elevated in high-risk pregnancies associated with fetal distress or birth complications.
- NSE's organ and cell specificity make it a potential indicator of fetal brain damage due to hypoxia.
- Further studies correlating elevated amniotic fluid NSE with long-term neurological outcomes are necessary to establish its prognostic value.