Acute postnatal increase of extracellular antioxidant defence of neonates: the role of iron metabolism

In this study we investigated the extracellular antioxidant capacity of neonates during the first two postnatal days and its association with iron metabolism. Cord blood and blood samples at 47+/-6 postnatal hours were taken from 10 healthy neonates and their antioxidant capacity was determined using Randox Antioxidant kits and the heme-specific antioxidant activity (HSAA). Randox indicates the chain-breaking antioxidant capacity; HSAA corresponds to the ability to limit lipid peroxidation. Iron, ferritin and transferrin levels were also measured. Randox and HSAA values were 30% higher, ferritin was 100% higher and iron was 60% lower postnatally. The amount of change in HSAA values correlated with the change in ferritin level (r= 0.67, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that extracellular antioxidant capacity (both chain-breaking and heme-specific antioxidant activities) increases shortly after birth. Lower iron and higher ferritin levels could also be responsible for this phenomenon.     

Maternal and fetal serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), leptin levels and early postnatal growth in infants born asymmetrically small for gestational age

This study was planned to investigate the relationship between birth weight and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), and leptin levels in neonates with normal growth (appropriate for gestational age: AGA) and retarded growth (small for gestational age: SGA); and to evaluate these growth factors' effects in early postnatal growth. All newborns were full-term: gestational age 3,841 weeks. Of 50 neonates, 25 were SGA. IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels were measured in maternal serum and venous cord blood at birth and at 15 days of life of neonates using specific RIAs. Maternal serum leptin concentrations were significantly higher than cord blood leptin concentrations (p < 0.001). Maternal serum IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels did not show correlations with birth weight. In contrast, there were significantly positive correlations between birth weight and venous cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels (p < 0.001). In the SGA group, the newborns with a slow postnatal growth pattern had lower umbilical cord serum IGF-I levels compared with newborns with a normal growth pattern. A similar result was also found in the AGA group. Similar results were not found for serum leptin and IGFBP-3. In conclusion, cord blood IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and leptin levels play an important role in the regulation of fetal and neonatal growth. It is likely that IGF-I has a more important role than the other factors in early postnatal growth.     

Red Cell Superoxide Dismutase Activity in the Newborn

Red cell superoxide dismutase activity was determined on cord blood samples. The normal range of activity in neonates, measured per gram of haemoglobin, was lower than that obtained for adults, with the mean value for neonates being approximately two-thirds of the adult level. When activity was measured on a per cell basis it was still lower than the adult level. Adult levels are reached at approximately three months postnatal age. No correlation was found between low superoxide dismutase activity and prematurity, low birthweight. Apgar, respiratory distress syndrome, or sex.     

Monitoring of early postnatal glucose homeostasis and cerebral function in newborn infants of diabetic mothers. A pilot study

The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate a new technique in the monitoring of postnatal glucose homeostasis (microdialysis) and also to study possible associations between early postnatal hypoglycaemia and influences on cerebral function monitoring (CFM) in 12 newborn infants of diabetic mothers.In order to study the postnatal glucose homeostasis, frequent dialysate samples were obtained from a subcutaneous microdialysis catheter for measurements of glucose. In addition, we also received samples of dialysate lactate and glycerol. Dialysate glucose concentrations were correlated to capillary blood glucose levels, measured by a glucose oxidase method. The cerebral function monitor was applied postnatally and a registration was obtained continuously.Capillary blood glucose decreased initially, and seven newborns received intravenous glucose infusions due to glucose concentrations less than 2.2 mmol/l. Dialysate glucose concentrations were, on average, 0.4 mmol/l higher than corresponding concentrations in capillary blood. The correlation coefficient between the two measurements was 0.63 and the coefficient of variation was 19.2%. Dialysate lactate and glycerol levels increased significantly, with peak values 3-4 h postnatally. No significant overall influence of hypoglycaemia was detectable in the CFM tracing.We conclude that a relatively poor correlation was observed between glucose measurements in capillary samples and microdialysis. However, using the microdialysis technique saw indication of marked lipolysis and increased lactate production, which may be of importance for cerebral postnatal adaptation. The mild postnatal hypoglycaemia in infants of diabetic mothers does not seem to give visually detectable influences on CFM.     

Oxidative stress in preterm neonates at birth and on the seventh day of life

Previous studies have demonstrated increased oxidative damage to proteins and increased lipid peroxidation products in the plasma of hypoxic newborns at birth. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxic preterm newborns are at increased risk for oxidative stress in the first week of life. Heparinized blood samples of 34 hypoxic and 15 control preterm newborns were obtained at birth from the umbilical vein immediately after delivery and from a peripheral vein on postnatal d 7. Plasma levels of hypoxanthine, total hydroperoxide (TH), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were measured in cord blood and blood drawn on d 7. Hypoxanthine, TH, and AOPP levels were significantly higher in cord and d 7 blood samples of hypoxic newborn than control infants. Statistically significant correlations were observed between AOPP and hypoxanthine and between AOPP and TH plasma levels on d 7. AOPP and TH plasma levels significantly increased from cord to d 7 blood in neonates without hypoxia. These findings show that the oxidative stress observed in cord blood of hypoxic preterm newborns is still higher than control infants on d 7. The significant increase in TH and AOPP levels in nonhypoxic preterm newborns at the end of the first postnatal week indicates that damage caused by free radicals also occurs in nonhypoxic babies with normal clinical course. In summary, TH and AOPP production is prolonged for several days after birth in hypoxic preterm babies. The risk of free radical damage is lower but still exists in preterm neonates with normal clinical course.     

母婴因素对脐血CD34+造血干/祖细胞的影响

目的 比较不同母婴因素与脐血有核细胞总数及CD34⁺造血干/祖细胞数量的关系,为脐血库合理选择脐血提供参考。方法 前瞻性收集130例2019年6月至2020年1月期间于大连市妇女儿童医疗中心分娩的新生儿脐血标本,男女比例为1：1。收集围生期相关信息：孕母年龄及血型,有/无妊娠糖尿病、妊娠高血压,妊娠方式、分娩方式、单胎/双胎,新生儿体重、性别、生后Apgar评分,以及胎盘、羊水、脐带情况。结果 根据孕母血型、妊娠糖尿病、妊娠高血压、妊娠方式、分娩方式、单胎/双胎,新生儿性别、生后Apgar评分,胎盘形态、羊水胎粪污染、脐带绕颈等情况进行分组,组间比较脐血有核细胞总数及CD34⁺细胞计数差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。孕母年龄、新生儿体重与脐血有核细胞总数无相关性（P > 0.05）,新生儿体重与CD34⁺细胞计数无相关性（P > 0.05）,孕母年龄与CD34⁺细胞计数呈正相关（P < 0.05）。结论 脐血中CD34⁺细胞数量随孕母年龄增大而增多,故脐血库在筛选脐血时,同等条件下可以选择年龄偏大的孕妇。     

Pulmonary surfactant protein A in sera for assessing neonatal lung maturation

To examine whether surfactant protein A (SP-A) in postnatal serum can predict the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), we analyzed the relationship between serum concentrations of SP-A and the risk of RDS using sera from neonates within 24 h after birth. A total of 104 blood samples including 23 samples from newborn infants with RDS were obtained. SP-A content in sera was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system consisting of a standard of native SP-A and two monoclonal antibodies against human SP-A. The level of serum SP-A increased with advancing gestation. Since the mean level of serum SP-A in patients with RDS (3.8 ng/ml) was significantly lower than those without RDS (12.0 ng/ml) (P<0.001), we calculated the diagnostic index values at various cutoff points and chose cutoff values to predict the risk of RDS. Maximum diagnostic value of 85% was obtained at a cutoff point of 3.8 ng/ml (sensitivity 57% and specificity 93%). We also chose a cutoff value of 2.1 ng/ml for definitive diagnosis of RDS, and 8.3 ng/ml for exclusive diagnosis of RDS. The adjusted odds ratios of RDS was significantly elevated when SP-A concentration in serum was under the cutoff values. The presence of SP-A in cord blood serum was also confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. We emphasize the value of SP-A examination in cord blood or postnatal serum from infants who exhibited respiratory difficulties at birth. We believe that our results are consistent with the hypothesis that SP-A is a useful serum marker in predicting the development of RDS.     

Postnatal changes in neonatal acylcarnitine profile

++Electrospray-tandem mass spectrometry represents a powerful method for detection of inborn errors of fatty acid metabolism. In the present study, it was used to examine neonatal carnitine metabolism, which reflects fatty acid metabolism. In 70 healthy neonates, blood samples were taken from the umbilical cord and by heel-stick puncture in full-term neonates on postnatal d 5. Cord blood specimens were also obtained from 15 preterm and 10 small-for-gestational-age infants. Acylcarnitine concentrations were measured in dried blood spots by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with cord blood, the levels of nearly all acylcarnitine species were significantly higher on the postnatal d 5, whereas free carnitine remained unchanged. Total acylcarnitine/free carnitine-ratio increased, whereas the free carnitine/total carnitine-ratio (0.54 +/- 0.05; p < 0.01) further decreased. A reduced availability of free carnitine in the early neonatal period may affect fatty acid oxidation and thus be of potential pathophysiological relevance under conditions with higher energy demands, e.g. in sepsis. Cord blood concentrations of free carnitine, total carnitine, and total acylcarnitines were strongly related to birth weight (p < 0.01). Lower umbilical artery pH, i.e. mild hypoxia, caused accumulation of mainly long-chain acylcarnitines. This implicates that long-chain acylcarnitines could serve as a parameter of perinatal asphyxia.     

Postnatal changes in plasma ceruloplasmin and transferrin antioxidant activities in preterm babies

Postnatal changes in plasma ceruloplasmin ferroxidase and transferrin iron-binding antioxidant activity were studied in 10 healthy preterm babies during the first 6 weeks of life. Ceruloplasmin levels and ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity were low at birth, remained stable for the first 3 weeks, and increased between 3 and 6 weeks. The transferrin levels were also low at birth, and this finding persisted throughout the 6-week study period. However, although the plasma iron-binding antioxidant activity was correspondingly low at birth, it thereafter rose and remained high. In four cord blood samples, but not in subsequent postnatal samples, peroxidation was actually stimulated in the assay measuring plasma iron-binding antioxidant activity. We have previously shown that this phenomenon is probably due to the presence of non-protein-bound iron.     

Serum transferrin receptor levels in the evaluation of iron deficiency in the neonate

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a major global problem. Early onset of iron deficiency in developing countries makes it imperative to identify iron deficiency in neonates. Most conventional laboratory parameters of iron status fail to distinguish neonates with iron deficient erythropoiesis. Serum transferrin receptor (STFR) levels are a recent sensitive measure of iron deficiency and the present study was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of cord serum transferrin receptors in identifying iron deficient erythropoiesis in neonates. A complete hemogram, red cell indices, iron profile: serum iron (SI), percent transferrin saturation (TS%) and serum ferritin (SF) was carried out in 100 full-term neonates and their mothers at parturition. Cord and maternal STFR levels were estimated using a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Anemic women had a significantly lower SI, their TS% and high STFR levels suggesting that iron deficiency was responsible for the anemia. In the neonates of iron deficient mothers, cord SI, TS% and cord ferritin were not significantly different from those of neonates born to non-anemic mothers. Cord STFR level correlated well with hemoglobin (Hb) and laboratory parameters of iron status, and its level was significantly higher in neonates born to anemic mothers than in those bom to non-anemic mothers. It was the only laboratory parameter to differentiate between neonates bom to anemic and non-anemic mothers. Therefore, STFR is a sensitive index of iron status in neonates and identifies neonates with iron deficient erythropoiesis.     

Interleukin-3, interleukin-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and erythropoietin cord blood levels of preterm and term neonates

The cascade of known haematopoietic growth factors controlling granulomonopoiesis and erythropoiesis includes interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and erythropoietin (EPO). Elevated endogenous IL-3 and IL-6 cord blood levels in infection-free premature and mature neonates may reflect their possible role for expansion of haematopoietic progenitor cells, granulocytes and monocytes. Within the erythroid lineage a synergistic action of IL-3, IL-6 and EPO can be assumed. To identify the regulatory role in fetal haematopoietic expansion cord blood plasma levels of these haematopoietic growth factors were assessed in 19 premature and 20 mature infants using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme-amplified sensitivity immuno assay test kits. Peripheral blood IL-3, GM-CSF and EPO were studied in 5 and 10 premature infants respectively. Compared with cord blood levels we found a decline in EPO levels but no decrease of IL-3 and GM-CSF during the 1st month of life. We conclude that postnatal decrease in plasma burst-promoting activity levels in preterm infants is mainly explained by low postnatal EPO levels.     

新生儿HIE脐血IL-6、IL-8与TNF-α变化及临床意义探讨

为探讨新生儿缺氧缺血性脑病 ( HIE)脐血 IL - 6、IL - 8与 TNF-α的变化及临床意义 ,应用放射免疫法检测了 4 0例 HIE患儿 IL- 6、IL- 8与 TNF- α水平 ,并与 4 0例正常新生儿比较。结果显示与正常新生儿比较 ,HIE患儿与正常对照儿相比脐血IL - 6水平分别为 ( 61.0 4± 2 3 .0 6)对 ( 91.83± 3 7.5 4 ) ng/L ( P<0 .0 1) ,IL - 8分别为( 0 .3 4± 0 .0 9)对 ( 0 .2 6± 0 .0 7) μg/L( P<0 .0 1) ,TNF- α分别为 ( 1.0 3± 0 .3 0 )对 ( 0 .83± 0 .3 1) μg/L( P<0 .0 1) ;而且病情越重改变越明显。因此 ,我们认为 ,围产期窒息与HIE患儿脐血 IL - 6水平减低、IL - 8与 TNF-α水平升高有关 ;它们可能参与了新生儿缺氧缺血性脑损伤的某些发病过程     

Normal values for KL-6 in cord venous plasma of neonates

BACKGROUND: KL-6 in umbilical cord blood, including from premature infants, and perinatal factors that may affect these values have not yet been adequately discussed. The authors investigated factors affecting cord venous plasma levels of KL-6 in neonates, and to establish a normal range of values for KL-6 in neonatal cord blood. METHODS: Cord plasma levels of KL-6 were measured in 75 neonates, and statistical analysis of factors affecting these levels was performed. A normal range for cord plasma KL-6 levels was calculated by statistical analysis methods based on guidelines by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. RESULTS: Data from a total of 75 neonates was analyzed. Gestational age ranged from 25 to 40 weeks (median, 33.4 weeks), and birthweight ranged from 776 to 3760 g (median, 1944 g). There was no statistically significant correlation between cord plasma KL-6 levels with gender, gestational age, birthweight, method of delivery, Apgar score 1 min, and postnatal respiratory distress. The normal range of values for cord plasma KL-6 was 44.3-148.2 U/mL (median, 73.0 U/mL). CONCLUSION: The cord plasma levels of KL-6 were about half the normal values reported in children and healthy adults and were not affected by various perinatal factors. The authors' findings suggest that plasma KL-6 levels rise when respiratory function is established after birth and tend to further increase with age.     

Ionized magnesium and gestational age

Objective Investigation of magnesium (Mg) homeostasis has re-emerged as an area of interest in preterm born neonates who are at risk for brain pathology. However, data regarding the association between the biologically active ionized form of Mg and gestational age (GA) at an early stage of life in newborn infants are controversial. Methods We evaluated the total and ionized Mg electrolyte (TMg and IMg) as well as the calcium (TCa and ICa) and pH in the cord blood and on day 2 of life in 22 neonates born at different gestational ages (<32, 32–34, and ≥35 week) without magnesium tocolysis and absence of serious complications during pregnancy and delivery. Results The IMg fraction that accounted for 68.1+/−5.1% of the TMg in the cord blood and 67.9+/−4.5% of the TMg on day 2 of life, was significantly higher in very preterm infants (GA<32 week) as compared to neonates with GA ≥35 week. Higher IMg levels were correlated with the lower pH that was recorded in the cord blood of the very preterm infants (correlation coefficient, r=−0.80, p<0.0001) and ICa (r = −0.52, P<0.01). Lower pH also was correlated with the GA (P<0.0001). However, standard multiple regression analysis showed significant association between IMg levels and decreased pH but not the gestational age or ICa (beta=−1.10+/−0.21, p<0.00009). Conclusion Extremely preterm infants even without additional exposure to tocolytic magnesium are at risk for the lower pH associated elevation of ionized Mg, which should be considered during the management of these infants in order to prevent hypermagnesemia-related pathology.     

BLOOD PESTICIDE CONCENTRATION IN MOTHERS AND THEIR NEWBORN INFANTS: Relation to Prematurity

Abstract. Procianoy, R. S. and Schvartsman, S. (Departments of Pediatrics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, and Universidade de Säo Paulo, Säo Paulo, Brazil). Blood pesticide concentration in mothers and their newborn infants. Relation to prematurity. Acta Paediatr Scand, 70: 925, 1981.-An association between high DDT cord blood levels and prematurity was investigated. Pregnant women with good health and nutritional condition, negative history of past occupational exposure to DDT and absence of recent exposure to DDT were investigated as well as their appropriate for gestational age neonates. A total of 54 maternal-infant pairs were studied and divided in two groups: A-term deliveries (30 pairs), B-preterm deliveries (24 pairs). There was no difference in DDT blood levels between pregnant women of both groups. There was, however, a significant difference in DDT cord blood levels between term and preterm infants, as well as between maternal and neonatal blood levels in both groups. DDT cord blood levels correlated negatively with infants' birth weights. We suggest that there is an association between prematurity and high DDT cord blood levels in a non-occupationally exposed population and the amount of fetal adipose tissue is an important factor determining the cord blood level of this pesticide. We cannot rule out a cause-effect association between high DDT cord blood level and prematurity.     

Intrapartum magnesium sulfate exposure attenuates neutrophil function in preterm neonates

BACKGROUND: Prenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate, a drug that is frequently used for attempted tocolysis in preterm labor, could alter neutrophil functional activity in infants born preterm. OBJECTIVES: To determine the association between maternal tocolysis with magnesium sulfate and the cord blood neutrophil functional activity of preterm neonates. METHODS: The chemotaxis, random motility, and chemiluminescence of neutrophils were compared in the cord blood of 10 preterm neonates born to mothers tocolysed with magnesium sulfate, 10 preterm infants whose mothers had not received any tocolysis, and 10 term infants. Data regarding the maternal and neonatal magnesium and calcium levels were collected and analyzed in association with the cord blood neutrophil functional activity of the preterm infants. RESULTS: Neutrophil functional activity in the cord blood of the preterm neonates was significantly lower than in term neonates. However, the alteration of neutrophil chemotaxis, random motility and chemiluminescence was more noticeable in neonates with intrapartum exposure to magnesium sulfate as compared to preterm infants whose mothers received no tocolysis (30.9 +/- 2.3 vs. 36.7 +/- 2.7 microm, p < 0.01; 26.6 +/- 1.9 vs. 33.1 +/- 3.1 microm, p < 0.01; and 74.3 +/- 6.5 vs. 89.9 +/- 6.25 x 10(3) counts per min (cpm), p < 0.01, respectively). Furthermore, the reduction in neutrophil functional activity of preterm infants with intrapartum exposure to magnesium was directly correlated with the maternal serum magnesium levels (r = -0.90 to -0.85, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In infants born preterm, intrapartum exposure to magnesium sulfate is a risk factor contributing to the alteration in neutrophil motility and post-phagocytic bactericidal capacity.     

Relationship between cord blood levels of IGF-I and ferritin in healthy term neonates

OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that the balance of maternal and fetal insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations contributes to the regulation of substrate distribution between mother and fetus, and may thus mediate the maintenance of blood ferritin concentration in the fetus. Therefore, the relationship between cord blood IGF-I to ferritin concentration was investigated. INFANTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six term neonates were recruited. Anthropometric measures were recorded and umbilical cord blood samples were collected at birth. We studied serum concentrations of IGF-I in relation to blood ferritin and anthropometric data in term neonates. To assess the importance of the correlation of ferritin with both IGF-I and all other parameters, multiple linear regression analysis was carried out, with ferritin as the dependent variable and IGF-I and anthropometric parameters as independent variables. RESULTS: The mean concentrations of cord blood IGF-I and ferritin levels were 45.2 +/- 36.8 ng/ml and 225.5 +/- 124.2 ng/ml, respectively, at birth. A positive correlation was observed between IGF-I and ferritin concentrations of term neonates (r = 0.53, p = 0.005). IGF-I emerged as a significant predictor of ferritin concentration (beta = 1.79, p = 0.005) contributing to 28% of its variability. CONCLUSIONS: We showed a relationship between cord blood IGF-I and ferritin levels in term neonates, suggesting that even within an unremarkable population, fetal ferritin level may be influenced by IGF-I. Moreover, we speculated that IGF-I might also be important in the regulation of placental transport of ferritin.     

羊水胎粪污染新生儿脐血IgE水平测定及意义

目的：通过对羊水胎粪污染新生儿脐血IgE水平的检测,探讨羊水胎粪污染及其他高危因素对脐血IgE水平的影响。方法：采用ELISA法测定脐血IgE的含量。结果：①污染组新生儿脐血IgE水平与对照组比较有显著增高,两组间差异有非常显著性意义(t=4.03,P＜0.01）;②Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ度羊水胎粪污染组分别与对照组比较,Ⅰ、Ⅲ度组差异有非常显著性意义（F=4.28,P＜0.01）;Ⅰ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ度组间两两比较差异无显著性;③将被检测的660例新生儿脐血IgE值按性别、胎龄、体重、胎次、早破水分组比较,早破水组与对照组比较差异有非常显著性;性别、胎龄、体重、胎次与对照组比较均差异无显著性。结论：羊水胎粪污染新生儿脐血IgE水平显著增高,早破水也是脐血IgE水平显著增高的重要危险因素。对新生儿脐血IgE水平的观察,可作为婴幼儿期过敏性疾病发生的预测的因素之一。［中国当代儿科杂志,2007,9（4）：361-363］     

Blood flow parameters of the superior mesenteric artery as an early predictor of intestinal dysmotility in preterm infants

Background Blood flow parameters in the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) change with vasoconstriction or vasodilatation of the intestinal vascular bed. In cases of severe growth retardation as a result of haemodynamic disturbances, the blood flow changes persist into postnatal life.Objective To assess early changes of Doppler sonographic blood flow parameters in the SMA for prediction of later intestinal motility disturbances in preterm infants and tolerance of enteral feeding during the first week of life.Materials and methods Doppler sonographic blood flow parameters in the SMA were measured on the first day of life and the following 5 days in 478 neonates with a birth weight below 1,500 g. According to the Doppler results, the neonates were divided into two groups—those with pathological parameters and those with normal blood flow parameters. Correlations between blood flow parameters, the development of intestinal dysmotility and the tolerated amount of enteral feeding were calculated.Results Pathological blood flow parameters were observed in 148 neonates (group 1) and normal blood flow parameters in 330 neonates (group 2). Intestinal motility disturbance occurred in 125 neonates (83%) of group 1 and 47 neonates (15%) of group 2. Neonates in group 2 tolerated significantly more feed by the fifth day of life than neonates in group 1. Postnatal adaptation did not differ between the two groups, although the majority of neonates with intestinal dysmotility were small for gestational age. The predictive value of blood flow parameters for prediction of intestinal motility revealed high sensitivity and specificity by the first postnatal day, 2 or 3 days before development of clinical signs of intestinal dysmotility. There was a strong negative correlation between pathological pulsatility index on day 1 and the quantity of tolerated enteral feeding on day 5.Conclusions Pathological blood flow parameters in the SMA can predict problems of intestinal motility and tolerance of enteral feeding. With the early detection of these problems a prompt start of adequate therapy to avoid complications is possible.     

Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIII on polymorphonuclear leucocytes in cord blood.

Fc gamma RI and Fc gamma RIII expression on polymorphonuclear leucocytes in cord blood from seven normal infants was investigated by flow cytometry. Fc gamma R expression on fresh polymorphonuclear leucocytes in whole blood samples and in blood samples incubated with or without interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) for 48 hours was also studied. The percentage of Fc gamma RIII positive polymorphonuclear leucocytes in cord blood (73.3%) was significantly lower than that in adult controls (95.9%). The mean fluorescence intensity of Fc gamma RIII was significantly increased on cord polymorphonuclear leucocytes by the incubation with IFN-gamma. Fresh cord polymorphonuclear leucocytes expressed only a small amount of Fc gamma RI as adult polymorphonuclear leucocytes. The percentage of Fc gamma RI positive polymorphonuclear leucocytes induced with IFN-gamma was significantly higher in cord blood (62.3%) than in adult controls (30.3%). It is possible that decreased expression of Fc gamma RIII is a factor in the susceptibility of newborns to infection. High expression of Fc gamma RI stimulated with IFN-gamma in neonates could have a compensatory role against decreased immunological function.