Umbilical Plasma Erythropoietin Correlations with Blood Gases and Gestational age in Appropriately Grown Infants

Allahyar Jazayeri; John C. M. Tsibris; Lois T. Hunt; William N. Spellacy

doi:10.1055/s-2007-994369

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 1996; 13(4): 227-230
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994369

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Umbilical Plasma Erythropoietin Correlations with Blood Gases and Gestational age in Appropriately Grown Infants

Allahyar Jazayeri, John C.M. Tsibris, Lois T. Hunt, William N. Spellacy

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida, and the Protein Information Resource, National Biomedical Research Foundation, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Erythropoietin (EPO) levels were measured using an ELISA method in umbilical cord plasma from 68 appropriately grown neonates at 27 to 43 weeks of gestation (EGA). A consistent but small (5%) difference was found between the EPO levels in the umbilical artery (Ua), 21.0 ± 2.5 mlU/mL (mean ± SEM), and umbilical vein (Uv), 22.0 ± 2.7 mlU/mL (p < 0.02, n = 30). Significant inverse correlations were found between Ua EPO levels and pO₂ (r = -0.44, p < 0.002), pH (r = -0.68, p < 0.0001)/ as well as base deficit (r = -0.56/ p < 0.0001). A significant correlation was found between EGA and Ua EPO from 27 to 43 weeks of gestation (r = 0.45, p < 0.001, n = 68). One and 5 minute Apgar scores did not correlate with EPO. These findings indicate that EPO correlates strongly with cord gas parameters and thus may serve as a clinically useful marker for both sub-acute fetal distress and chronic uteroplacental insufficiency.

Keywords

Erythropoietin - pregnancy - umbilical cord plasma - gestational age

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