Concentration of Serum Biomarkers of Brain Injury in Neonates With a Low Cord pH With or Without Mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the concentrations of four neuroprotein biomarkers and 68 miRNAs in neonates with low cord pH and/or mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study enrolled neonates with low cord pH ( = 18), moderate-severe HIE ( = 40), and healthy controls ( = 38). Groups provided serum samples at 0-6 h of life. The concentrations of biomarkers and miRNAs were compared between cohorts.

RESULT

The low cord pH and moderate-severe HIE groups had increased concentrations of GFAP, NFL and Tau compared to controls ( < 0.05, < 0.001, respectively). NFL concentrations in mild HIE was higher than controls ( < 0.05) but less than moderate-severe HIE ( < 0.001). Of 68 miRNAs, 36 in low cord pH group and 40 in moderate-severe HIE were upregulated compared to controls ( < 0.05). Five miRNAs in low cord pH group ( < 0.05) and 3 in moderate-severe HIE were downregulated compared to controls ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A biomarker panel in neonates with low cord pH may help clinicians make real-time decisions.