Concentration of Serum Biomarkers of Brain Injury in Neonates With a Low Cord pH With or Without Mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy
Pratima Gaulee, Zhihui Yang, Livia Sura, Haiyan Xu, Candace Rossignol, Michael D. Weiss, Nikolay Bliznyuk
Abstract
Objective To determine the concentrations of four neuroprotein biomarkers and 68 miRNAs in neonates with low cord pH and/or mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Study Design A prospective cohort study enrolled neonates with low cord pH ( n = 18), moderate-severe HIE ( n = 40), and healthy controls ( n = 38). Groups provided serum samples at 0–6 h of life. The concentrations of biomarkers and miRNAs were compared between cohorts. Result The low cord pH and moderate-severe HIE groups had increased concentrations of GFAP, NFL and Tau compared to controls ( P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). NFL concentrations in mild HIE was higher than controls ( P < 0.05) but less than moderate-severe HIE ( P < 0.001). Of 68 miRNAs, 36 in low cord pH group and 40 in moderate-severe HIE were upregulated compared to controls ( P < 0.05). Five miRNAs in low cord pH group ( P < 0.05) and 3 in moderate-severe HIE were downregulated compared to controls ( P < 0.05). Conclusion A biomarker panel in neonates with low cord pH may help clinicians make real-time decisions.