| Abstract: | We have investigated cord blood granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) levels in neonates with or without neonatal complications to examine some changes in the G-CSF levels in the neonatal period. The G-CSF levels were measured in 613 neonates by enzyme immunoassay. The results showed that G-CSF levels were distributed in a broad range from the level under the cutting point (31 pg/mL) to over the measurable range (2000 pg/mL). Normal neonates without perinatal complications were 322. In normal neonates, the G-CSF level correlated with the gestational age (r = 0.255, P < 0.01) and cord blood leukocyte count (r = 0.210, P < 0.01). The G-CSF values were under 100 pg/mL in 95% of normal neonates with a median of 35.0 pg/mL. We divided the neonates into two groups: a lower (< 100 pg/mL) and a higher (≥ 100 pg/mL), based on the G-CSF level. The percentage of neonates with higher G-CSF levels (≥ 100 pg/mL) was greater in neonates with perinatal complications than in normal neonates (< 100 pg/mL; P < 0.01). Compared with normal neonates, the percentages of the higher group were greater in neonates with infections (P < 0.01), fetal distress (P < 0.01), premature rupture of membranes (P < 0.05), neonatal asphyxia (P < 0.01) and meconium staining of amniotic fluid (P < 0.01). Neonates with higher G-CSF levels had larger numbers of peripheral leukocytes (P < 0.05) than did those with the lower G-CSF levels. Counts of leukocytes were parallel with those of neutrophils. In conclusion, cord G-CSF levels in neonates can be increased in response to, not only infections, but also to such stress states as fetal distress, premature rupture of membranes, neonatal asphyxia and meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, which may result in increased numbers of neutrophils. |
