ABSTRACT
We studied Stem cell factor (SCF) levels in 15 mother-newborn pairs, 15 healthy adult
controls, and 16 newborn with bacterial sepsis. SCF levels were also determined in
six newborns with sepsis before and after completion of treatment. SCF levels (pg/mL)
were found to be 2141 ± 529 in cord blood, 1385 ± 314 in mothers, 1546 ± 443 in healthy
adult controls, and 1742 ± 655 in septic newborns. Cord blood SCF levels were significantly
higher than their mothers' and healthy controls (p <0.05). There were no differences in SCF levels between mothers and healthy adult
controls. No correlation was found between the SCF levels and absolute neutrophil
counts. There were no differences in SCF levels between the before and after treatment
levels in six newborn with sepsis. In conclusion, our study suggests that SCF levels
were increased in cord blood, and this increase is not a reflection of mothers' levels.
SCF levels do not show significant changes during sepsis in newborns.
Keywords
Stem cell factor - newborn - sepsis neutrophil
