Affiliation: | 1. Perinatal Center, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden;2. Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, M?lndal, Sweden;3. Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, M?lndal, Sweden;4. Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK;5. Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden |
Abstract: | Aim: Compare the levels of the brain injury biomarkers Tau and neurofilament light protein (NFL) in cases of asphyxia with those in controls. Materials and methods: We analyzed the neuronal proteins Tau and NFL in umbilical blood of 10 cases of severe-moderate intrapartum asphyxia and in 18 control cases. Results: The levels of both Tau and neurofilament were significantly higher after asphyxia and it appeared to be a correlation between the levels of the biomarkers and the severity of the insult. Discussion: Future studies are warranted to support or refute the value of Tau/NFLin clinical practice. Conclusion: Fetal asphyxia remains a clinical problem resulting in life-long neurological disabilities. We urgently need more accurate early predictive markers to direct the clinician when to provide neuroprotective therapy. |