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Antithrombin III in fetuses and newborn children
V Latin1, D Janković, M Cervar
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Antithrombin III (AT III) levels are low in fetuses but increase throughout gestation and the first year of life. Adult AT III levels are reached by 10-12 months of age in healthy infants.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Physiology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Antithrombin III (AT III) is a crucial anticoagulant protein.
- Understanding AT III development is vital for neonatal care and thrombosis risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify Antithrombin III (AT III) levels in fetuses, newborns, and infants.
- To track the developmental trajectory of AT III from fetal life through infancy.
Main Methods:
- Plasma samples were collected from healthy fetuses (20-29 weeks gestation), fetuses with suspected growth issues (30-39 weeks gestation), healthy newborns, and infants up to one year.
- Antithrombin III (AT III) concentrations were measured using a specific assay on the Turbox nephalometer.
- Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Main Results:
- Fetal AT III levels were observed to be low but showed a consistent increase during gestation.
- Postnatal AT III levels continued to rise significantly after birth (F = 34.53, p < 0.001).
- Infants attained adult reference levels of AT III between 10 and 12 months of age.
Conclusions:
- Antithrombin III (AT III) demonstrates a significant developmental increase from fetal stages through infancy.
- This study establishes a normative reference range for AT III during early life.
- The findings are important for understanding coagulation system maturation and potential clinical implications in neonates.