Vascular endothelial growth factor levels in newborns with meconium stained amniotic fluid

Objective  The effects of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) on cord blood vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels have not been explored. The aim of this study was to verify whether MSAF influences cord blood VEGF levels in healthy term neonates and we can use cord blood VEGF levels in infants with MSAF as an indicator of fetal distress. Methods  Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay double sandwich method, plasma VEGF levels were determined in 18 healthy term neonates with MSAF and in 16 healthy term neonates without MSAF. Results  VEGF plasma levels were not significantly different between healthy term neonates with or without MSAF. Conclusion  Intrauterine meconium passage could not affect VEGF levels on cord blood in term newborn infants and VEGF level may not be used as an indicator of fetal distress in infants with MSAF.