Sialic acid in newborn and maternal lymphocytes: preterm deliveries

Sialic acid was determined in newborn and maternal lymphocytes immediately after preterm deliveries of 34 and 35 weeks of gestation. The results were compared with those found in full-term deliveries. In contrast with full-term deliveries, in preterm deliveries a significant increase in sialic acid in maternal as compared to newborn lymphocytes was found. However, the mean cumulative value of sialic acid for maternal and newborn lymphocytes was similar in both groups. In addition to this, sialic acid concentrations seem to be sex-dependent and higher mean cumulative values for maternal and newborn lymphocytes could be found for male as compared to female newborns after full- as well as after preterm deliveries.