The influence of mode of delivery on the levels of high- sensitivity C - reactive protein determined in umbilical cord blood

Abstract

Data suggest that the fetus responds to chronic hypoxia by higher umbilical cord blood high-sensitive CRP concentrations. In order to evaluate the effects of acute hypoxia on fetus, cord blood high-sensitive CRP concentrations according to the delivery mode were compared. High-sensitive CRP concentration was measured by an immunonephelometric method in umbilical cord blood samples from 45 newborns born by different delivery modes (15 newborns by vaginal delivery, 15 newborns by elective cesarean section and 15 newborns by emergency section delivery due to acute hypoxia). No significant differences in high-sensitive CRP concentrations were documented between the three groups of newborns. However, a moderate negative correlation was determined between cord blood pH, pO2, and hs-CRP concentrations (p<0.05). In conclusion, the mode of delivery reflecting acute hypoxia did not influence cord blood high-sensitive CRP levels in newborns. Key words: Inflammation, CRP, mode of delivery