Umbilical cord blood amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels according to the mode of delivery.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate cord blood amino-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels according to the mode of delivery.


METHODS
Between 1 March and 31 May 2007, 106 blood samples were drawn from the umbilical vein at the time of delivery. Eighty-four NT-proBNP levels [63 term (34 cesarean sections and 29 vaginal deliveries) and 21 preterm births] were analyzed with respect to gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, newborn gender, and cord blood pH.


RESULTS
There was no statistical significance on comparison of the mean NT-proBNP values between the cesarean and vaginal delivery groups (801.9+/-537.7 vs. 724.3+/-542.4 pg/ml, respectively; P=0.572). The correlation of NT-proBNP with gestational age, birth weight, and cord blood pH was -0.616, -0.585, and -0.202, respectively. The mean values for NT-proBNP levels were compared according to the newborn gender (male vs. female; P=0.926), and Apgar score at 1 min [>6 (N=71) vs. <or=6 (N=13); P=0.001].


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal delivery did not result in increased cord blood NT-proBNP levels reflecting cardiovascular stress to the fetal heart. NT-proBNP was inversely correlated with gestational age. Low Apgar score and umbilical cord blood pH appeared to induce the fetus to produce increased amounts of NT-proBNP.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Samduk 2 Ga, JungGu, Daegu, South Korea.
Won Joon
WJ
Seong
Douk Hun
DH
Yoon
Gun Oh
GO
Chong
Dae Gy
DG
Hong
Tae Bon
TB
Koo
Taek Hoo
TH
Lee
Sang Sik
SS
Chun
D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain / Q000097:blood*; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy
D010446:Peptide Fragments; C109794:pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76); D020097:Natriuretic Peptide, Brain