Elevated Activin A urine levels are predictors of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm newborns. (19th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sannia, Andrea; Zimmermann, Luc JI; Gavilanes, Antonio WD; Vles, Hans J; Calevo, Maria Grazia; Florio, Pasquale; Gazzolo, Diego
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 102:Number 10(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: e449
• Page End: e454
• Publication Date: 2013-07-19
• Subjects: Activin A -- Biomarkers -- Brain damage -- IVH -- Prematurity; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.12332
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is the most common variety of cerebral haemorrhage and cause of neurological disabilities in preterm newborns. We evaluated the usefulness of urine Activin A concentrations for the early detection of perinatal IVH. Methods: We conducted a case–control study on 100 preterm newborns (20 with IVH and 80 without IVH) in whom urine Activin A was measured at five predetermined time‐points in the first 72 h after birth. IVH diagnosis and the extension of the lesion were performed by ultrasound scanning within the first 72 h and at 1 week after birth, respectively. Results: Urine Activin A in infants who developed IVH was significantly higher than in controls at all monitoring time‐points (p < 0.01 for all), increasing progressively from first urination to 24 h when it reached the highest peak (p < 0.001). At a cut‐off 0.08 ng/L, at the first void, Activin A sensitivity and specificity were 68.7% (CI: 41.3–89%) and 84.5% (CI: 75–91.5%). Conclusion: Activin A measurements in urine soon after birth can constitute a promising tool for identifying preterm infants at risk of IVH.