Hepatic aminotransferases of normal and IUGR fetuses in cord blood at birth

Rafal Kocylowski, Mariusz Dubiel, Saemundur Gudmundsson, Elfriede Fritzer, Torvid Kiserud, Constantin von Kaisenberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The accepted standard for assessing the wellbeing of the newborn is the Apgar score and blood gas analysis. However, the prediction of neonatal morbidity or mortality is limited. In small-for-gestation (SGA) fetuses at 18-38 weeks of gestation, pO(2) is <5th centile both in the umbilical artery and vein in 30%. In a previous study in singleton term neonates cardiac specific enzymes (B-type natriuretic peptide, BNP and cardiac troponin T, cTnT) are increased in growth-restricted fetuses compared with normals. Aims: To test the hypothesis, that fetuses with intra uterine growth restriction (IUGR) have elevated AST (GOT) and ALT (GPT) aminotransferases as a result of hypoxic liver cell injury, and to establish references ranges. Study design: Prospective cohort study, serum of umbilical artery (n = 156) and vein (n = 180), 599 normal singletons at 37(+0)-42(+0) weeks, neonates with IUGR (n = 41). analysis for pH, birthweight and maternal weight, spontaneous vs cesarean section, vein vs artery and for the sex. Outcome measures: Aspartate aminotransferase (AST. GOT) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT) were measured in normals and IUGR neonates. Results: Neonates with IUGR (n = 41) had AST values that were not different from the reference group, but had significantly lower ALT (-1.49, 95% CI - 1.98 to - 1.00 vs 0.14, 95% CI - 0.42-0.13), (p<0.001), (Fig. 3). Conclusions: In neonates with IUGR, hypoxic hepatic injury markers in cord blood were not elevated. Rather, a substantially reduced ALT suggests a down-regulated hepatic activity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)461-465
JournalEarly Human Development
Volume88
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Bibliographical note

The information about affiliations in this record was updated in December 2015.
The record was previously connected to the following departments: Pediatrics/Urology/Gynecology/Endocrinology (013240400)

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Clinical Medicine

Free keywords

  • Development
  • Pediatric growth
  • Perinatology
  • Fetal medicine
  • Obstetrics

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