S100 protein content of umbilical cord blood in healthy newborns in relation to mode of delivery

Background: Early detection and quantification of brain damage in neonatal asphyxia is important. In adults, S100 protein in blood is associated with damage to the central nervous system. Objective: To determine whether S100 protein can be detected in arterial and venous cord blood of healthy newborns and to relate S100 protein concentrations in cord blood to mode of delivery. Method: S100 protein levels in umbilical cord blood of 81 healthy infants were determined. Results: S100 protein was present in arterial (median concentration 1.62 µg/l) and venous (median concentration 1.36 µg/l) cord blood. Levels were significantly higher in vaginal births (median arterial concentration 1.72 µg/l; median venous concentration 1.48 µg/l) than births by caesarean section (1.51 µg/l and 1.26 µg/l respectively). Conclusion: More research is necessary to determine whether S100 protein is a useful marker in neonatal asphyxia.