Xanthou M, Fotopoulos S, Mouchtouri A, Lipsou N, Zika I, Sara dou J. In ammatory mediators in perinatal asphyxia and infection. Acta Paediatr 2002, Suppl 438: 92-97. Stockholm. ISSN 0803-5326 Aim : To determine serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1 b , tumor necrosis factora (TNFa ), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in asphyxiated neonates and compare these in ammatory factors with those found in neonates with perinatal infection. Methods: 88 neonates were studied, of whom 36 were asphyxiated, 18 were infected and the remaining 34 were controls. Peripheral blood samples were obtained on the 1st, 3rd and 5th postnatal days. Results: Cytokines IL-6 and IL-1 b as well as sICAM-1 serum levels did not differ between asphyxiated and infected neonates; however, at most time periods, their values were signi cantly higher than controls. TNFa was similar in the three groups of neonates. CRP serum values were signi cantly higher in the infected neonates than in the asphyxiated or control subjects. Among the 54 asphyxiated and infected neonates, 15 were considered as severe cases and 39 as mild. The severe cases, at most time periods, had signi cantly higher IL-6, IL-1 b and sICAM-1 levels compared with the mild ones. Through receiver operating characteristic curves the cut-off points, sensitivities, and speci cities for distinguishing neonates at risk or at high risk for brain damage were established.Conclusion: Similar increases in serum levels of IL-6, IL-1 b and sICAM-1 were found in perinatally asphyxiated and infected neonates. As these increases correlated with the severity of the perinatal insults, neonates at high risk for brain damage might be detected.

No abstract