Clinical significance of changes of RBC [Ca2 +]i levels in the neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Abstract

Objective To explore the role of RBC[Ca2+]i levels in pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates. Methods Twenty-eight neonates with moderate and severe HIE hospitalizeal from Jun. 2002 to Mar. 2006 were enrolled the study. The neonates with HIE were given routine treatment and Nimodipine for 7～10 days. Blood samples were collected before treatment and at 72 hours,7～10 days after treatment respectively. The levels of RBC [Ca2+]i were measured by Fura-2/AM. Twenty healthy full-term neonates were studied as controls. Results (1) The levels of RBC [Ca2+] i in the neonates with moderate and severe HIE were significantly higher than that in control group at every time points( P＜0. 05 ,P＜0.01). (2) the levels of RBC[Ca2+]i in the neonates with moderate and severe HIE peaked at 72 hours after treatment,and were still significantly higher than that of control group at 7～10 days after treatment(P＜0. 05). (3) In the neonates with HIE,RBC[Ca2+ ]i levels correlated positively with the severity of HIE ( r = 0. 447, P＜ 0. 05 ). Conclusion RBC [Ca2+ ] i levels are closely associated with pathogenesis of HIE, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of HIE. Evaluating RBC [ Ca2+] i levels in neonate after birth may provide clinical clues for the early diagnosis and prognosis assessment of HIE. Key words: Cerebral hypoxia; Cerebral ischemia; RBC[Ca2+]i; Infant,newborn