Study of plasma endothelin-1 concentrations in Taiwanese neonates with respiratory distress.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a novel and potent endothelium-derived vasoconstriction peptide present in human plasma. In this study, plasma ET-1 concentrations were determined and their physiological significance was evaluated in Taiwanese neonates with respiratory distress.

METHODS:

Sixty newborn infants consisting of 22 with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), 13 with transient tachypnea of newborn (TTNB), 4 with meconium aspiration syndrome, 10 healthy preterm and 11 healthy full-term infants were included for plasma ET-1 determination. Plasma ET-1 levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay at the of age of 1 day. For those who were diagnosed with RDS, plasma ET-1 concentrations were scheduled for evaluation at the ages of 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 35 days as long as oxygen was being used.

RESULTS:

On the first day of life, there was no significant difference in plasma ET-1 concentrations between healthy preterm and term infants (3.92 +/- 0.88 vs. 3.56 +/- 1.98 pg/mL, p = 0.606). However, plasma ET-1 concentrations of infants with RDS were significantly higher than those with TTNB (6.46 +/- 0.58 vs. 3.77 +/- 1.29 pg/mL, p < 0.001). In RDS infants, plasma ET-1 concentrations showed no significant difference between those who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD, N = 4) and those who recovered (non-BPD, n = 18) (7.84 +/- 1.85 vs. 5.81 +/- 2.76 pg/mL, p = 0.242).

CONCLUSION:

Plasma ET-1 concentrations were similar in preterm and term infants. ET-1 concentrations were higher in infants with RDS than in infants with TTNB, which suggests that plasma ET-1 levels can be useful in the differential diagnosis. However, the plasma ET-1 concentrations can not be a predictor for BPD.

• Authors: C Y Kuo, Y H Chou, R Lien, P H Yang
• Journal: Chang Gung medical journal (Chang Gung Med J) Vol. 24 Issue 4 Pg. 239-44 (Apr 2001) ISSN: 2072-0939 [Print] China (Republic : 1949- )
• PMID: 11413881 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Endothelin-1

Topics

• Birth Weight
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (blood)
• Endothelin-1 (blood)
• Gestational Age
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (blood)
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn (blood)