'Haptoglobin concentrations in preterm and term newborns'.

OBJECTIVE

To measure systemic haptoglobin (HPT) concentrations from birth in preterm (PT) and T newborns. To compare HPT in newborns without hemolysis or infection with values in bacteremic newborns.

STUDY DESIGN

HPT was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 30 PT and 28 T newborns without hemolysis or infection at birth (cord blood), on days of life 2 to 4, and at 1 to 2 weeks of life. Concentrations were measured in eight additional newborns with bacteremia. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test was used for comparisons.

RESULT

HPT concentrations were consistently measurable from birth in PT and T neonates. Values were significantly greater in 2- to 4-day-old PT and T newborns than in newborns at birth (P<0.01). Bacteremic newborns had higher HPT concentrations than newborns without infection (P=0.033).

CONCLUSION

HPT is detectable from birth in PT and T newborns. HPT concentrations increase in bacteremic newborns. HPT levels may have clinical utility in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis.