Endothelin-1 concentrations in cord blood of neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
BACKGROUND
The effects of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) on cord blood endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations have not been explored.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to verify whether MSAF influences ET-1 cord blood concentrations in healthy term neonates.


METHODS
Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plasma ET-1 concentrations were determined in 30 healthy term neonates with MSAF, and in 15 healthy term neonates without MSAF. The two groups were of the same gestational age, weight, Apgar score, cord blood pH, base excess, and hematocrit values, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressures.


RESULTS
ET-1 plasma concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups and did not correlate with cord blood pH or base excess values.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data demonstrate that meconium passage does not induce ET-1 secretion.
Gemelli
Marina
M
Department of Pediatric Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. marina.gemelli@unime.it
Manganaro
Rosa
R
Mamì
Carmelo
C
Buemi
Michele
M
Paolata
Antonina
A
Marrone
Teresa
T
Marseglia
Lucia
L
D000653:Amniotic Fluid; D001034:Apgar Score; D001794:Blood Pressure; D019332:Endothelin-1 / Q000097:blood*; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008470:Meconium
D019332:Endothelin-1