Measurement of umbilical activin A level in preterm infants

ZHONG Ying; LI Juan; WEI Ke-Lun

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2011, Vol. 13 ›› Issue (10) : 776-779.

CLINICAL RESEARCH

Measurement of umbilical activin A level in preterm infants

ZHONG Ying, LI Juan, WEI Ke-Lun

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of umbilical activin A in preterm infants. METHODS: Forty-one preterm infants (gestation 28 to 36 weeks) were enrolled. Fetal membranes, umbilical cords and blood samples from umbilical vein were obtained. Umbilical activin A level was measured using ELISA. The histological examinations of fetal membranes and umbilical cords were performed. RESULTS: The umbilical level of activin A averaged 2069 pg/mL in the 41 preterm infants. The umbilical activin A level in the 5 infants with intrauterine infection was higher than in those without intrauterine infection (2510 pg/mL vs 1975 pg/mL; P<0.01). Umbilical activin A level at cutoff of 2490 pg/mL showed a sensitivity of 80.0% and a specificity of 90.6% as a marker of intrauterine infection. There were no significant differences in the umbilical activin A level between the infants with and without respiratory distress syndrome. Umbilical activin A level was positively correlated with the duration of postnatal oxygen therapy (r=0.326, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Umbilical activin A may serve a marker of intrauterine infection in preterm infants. The umbilical activin A level is correlated with the duration of postnatal oxygen therapy.

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Activin A / Intrauterine infection / Preterm infant

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ZHONG Ying, LI Juan, WEI Ke-Lun. Measurement of umbilical activin A level in preterm infants[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2011, 13(10): 776-779

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