Abstract
Preterm babies are at risk for mental and developmental retardation. NSE represents the 1.4% of the total soluble protein of the brain. An increase in the CSF level of NSE may indicate neuronal damage. We hypothesized that the documented brain damage in preterm babies by cerebral ultrasound (CUS), is not only restricted to the white matter, and thus an increase in the CSF-NSE level would therefore be expected. 39 babies with known risk factors for brain damage were included. Mean gestational age and weight were 29.4±2.2 wk and 1153±255 g, respectively. CUS were initially performed in the first 12 h and then serially. CSF samples were collected at 72 h. NSE was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Infants were classified: group I, babies with normal CUS or grade I Periventricular hemorrhage (PVII). Group II included those with grades II and III. Group III was formed by those babies with PVH with parenchymal involvement. Group IV were patients with PVL.The results were (NSE expressed as ng/ml±SEM):
The increase in CSF-NSE in Gr.III as compared to the CSF-NSE in Gr.I and II was statistically significant.
CONCLUSION: The high levels of NSE in CSF in infants with parenchymal injury suggests a more extensive brain involvement than just PV brain dumage. (Sup. by CICYT. SAL 89-0916).
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Pellicer, A., Cabanas, F., García-Alix, A. et al. NEURON SPECIFIC ENOLASE (NSE)IN PRETERM BABIES WITH BRAIN DAMAGE. Pediatr Res 32, 630 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00151
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199211000-00151