Cord blood endothelin-1 and perinatal asphyxia

Discordant data have been reported on endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstriction peptide, during the neonatal period, and elevated levels have been found in various neonatal diseases. This study evaluated ET-1 in the cord blood of 74 neonates of different gestational age, birthweight, mode of delivery and 5'-Apgar score. CONCLUSION: Higher ET-1 levels were found in neonates born by emergency caesarean section, and in newborns with low 5'-Apgar score, suggesting that ET-1 could be a marker of perinatal asphyxia.