Correlation of Raised Cord-Blood CK-BB and the Development of Peri-Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

Abstract

This study concerns the prognostic value of total cord-blood CK-BB activity measured with a new method in preterm infants at risk of PIVH. Twenty-six patients with gestational age less than 36 weeks were studied. The presence of PIVH was proved by either ultrasound scans or autopsy. Total CK-BB values in cord-blood of infants who developed PIVH were significantly higher than those of patients without cerebral bleeding (P < 0.001).

The stage of brain development plays a major role in the high susceptibility of preterm infants to intracerebral hemorrhage (Papile et al 1978). Usually peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is not an event taking place in connection with delivery but rather during the second and third day of life. There are, however, a lot of prematures in which perinatal insults may be the direct cause of intracerebral bleeding soon after birth (Fawer et al 1984). Increase in serum CK-BB values has been found to be clinically useful in several cerebrovascular injuries (Cuestas 1980). Using a new and very sensitive method, serum levels of this brain-specific isoenzyme were analyzed in cord-blood of high-risk premature infants and correlated with the occurrence of intracerebral hemorrhage proved by ultrasound scans or autopsy.

Key words

Creatine-kinase brain isoenzyme - Intracerebral bleeding - Preterm infants