Biomarkers of renal function in preterm neonates at 72 h and 3 weeks of life

Abstract Objective: Serum levels of creatinine in neonates are quite variable and suffer interference from the immature kidney and maternal creatinine concentration. The aim of this study was to measure novel biomarkers of glomerular and tubular function in healthy preterm neonates at 72 h and 3 weeks of life. Methods: Urine samples were collected in 40 preterm neonates with 28-34 incomplete weeks of gestational age. None of the participants had comorbidities, malformations and infections. The samples were collected at 72 h of life and at 3 weeks after birth. Measurements of Calbindin, Collagen IV, FABP1, αGST, IP-10, KIM-1, Osteoactivin, Renin, TFF-3, TIMP-1, α-1-Microglobulin, Albumin, Clusterin, Cystatin C, EGF, Lipocalin-2/NGAL and Osteopontin were performed using panels 1 and 2 of multiplex kits of kidney injury. Data were analyzed using the software GraphPad Prism version 6.0. Results: The preterm neonates included 55% of males with gestational age of 30 ± 1 weeks. The most frequent maternal condition associated with preterm birth was preeclampsia (80%). Molecules related to glomerular function showed a significant increase in the concentrations obtained at 3 weeks of life compared to 72 h of life. Markers related to tubular injury (KIM-1 and NGAL) also showed an increase. On the other hand, cystatin C did not change. Conclusion: The elevation of molecules related to glomerular function indicates an increase of glomerular filtration rate from 72 h up until 3 weeks of life, which was not clearly detected with the measurement of cystatin C.

Comparison of determinants of morbidities of late preterms and terms

Background: To compare the determinants of neonatal morbidity in late preterms and terms.Methods: A total of 100 live late preterm (34-0/7 to 36-6/7 weeks) and 100 term infants (37-0/7 to 41-6/7 weeks) admitted in sri guru ram das institute of medical sciences and research were randomly selected to participate in this case control study. The study group include 100 neonates within gestation age of 34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks. Equal number of terms between 37 0/7 to 41-6/7 gestation age was taken for comparison. The maternal history including both antenatal and natal history as well as new-born profile was taken.Results: Maternal risk factors have been found to be the major determinants of morbidity in late preterms with PROM (p<0.0001), sepsis and hypertension being significant contributors. Respiratory distress, neonatal jaundice, sepsis has been found to be major morbidity factors in late preterms. The average duration of admission was higher in late preterms than terms.Conclusions: Late preterm infants have higher risks for acute metabolic complications, mortality and long-term disabilities as compared to term infants. Morbidities like respiratory distress, neonatal jaundice, sepsis, hypoglycaemia and hypothermia are more in late preterms due to their immaturity. The risks associated with late preterm birth suggest the need for refinement of obstetric paradigms to extend pregnancy duration if benefits outweigh risk to fetus and mother. There is need to make obstetricians and families aware of complications pertaining to late preterm birth and improving surveillance of high-risk pregnancies.