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Updated: Jun 6, 2025
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Evaluating neuronal damage biomarkers at birth for predicting neurodevelopmental risks in foetal growth restriction
Mª José Benítez-Marín1,2,3, Marta Blasco-Alonso1,2,4, Fernando de Rodríguez de Fonseca5,6
1Research Group in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Epigenetics, Women's Diseases and Reproductive Health, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina-IBIMA Plataforma Bionand, Málaga, Spain.
Insights
Biomarkers like urinary S100B and nerve growth factor show potential for predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants with foetal growth restriction. Further research is needed to refine these predictive models.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Biomarker Research
Background:
- Foetal growth restriction (FGR) poses significant risks to neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Predictive tools for identifying at-risk infants are crucial for timely intervention.
- Existing research on neural injury biomarkers in FGR requires systematic evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the correlation between biomarkers of neural injury in children with foetal growth restriction and their neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- To identify potential biomarkers for predicting neurodevelopmental trajectories in FGR.
- To synthesize current evidence on the association between specific biomarkers and neurodevelopment in FGR.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Searched PubMed and Embase for studies published between January 2014 and March 2024.
- Included studies measuring postpartum brain injury biomarkers and assessing childhood neurodevelopment in foetal growth-restricted infants.
Main Results:
- Five studies met inclusion criteria.
- Elevated urinary S100B levels in FGR correlated negatively with early neurological development.
- Neuron-specific enolase showed negative correlations with cognitive, motor, and socio-emotional development.
- Lower urinary nerve growth factor levels in neonates with FGR were associated with poorer neurodevelopment.
- Tau protein levels were lower in children with FGR and adverse outcomes; BDNF levels showed no significant alterations.
Conclusions:
- Specific biomarkers, including urinary S100B, neuron-specific enolase, and nerve growth factor, show promise in predicting neurodevelopmental outcomes in foetal growth restriction.
- Further research is essential to validate these biomarkers and develop robust predictive models.
- Understanding these biomarker associations can inform targeted interventions for infants with FGR.
Aim:
This study was based on the need to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with foetal growth restriction. The aim was to systematically review the correlation between biomarkers of neural injury in children with foetal growth restriction and their neurodevelopment.
Method:
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the review included studies on growth-restricted foetuses that measured biomarkers of postpartum brain injury and assessed neurodevelopment in childhood. Studies published between 1 January 2014 and 31 March 2024 were identified through PubMed and Embase, with the study protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024520254).
Results:
Only five met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that urinary S100B levels were significantly elevated in foetal growth restriction, negatively correlating with neurological development at 7 days of life. Neuron-specific enolase negatively correlated with cognitive, motor and socio-emotional development. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were significantly lower in neonates with foetal growth restriction, correlating with poor neurodevelopment. No alterations in BDNF levels were observed. Tau protein levels were lower in children with foetal growth restriction and adverse outcomes.
Conclusion:
The study emphasised the need for further research on biomarkers and predictive models of neurodevelopment in children with foetal growth restriction.
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