Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the hypothesis that acidotic fetuses at birth have an increased catabolic state characterized by a negative nitrogen balance. STUDY DESIGN: Umbilical cord blood samples were obtained from a random, prospective series of fetuses at birth. Acidotic samples (pH<7.20) were matched with normals (pH≥7.20) according to maternal and gestational age. 3-Methylhistidine was analyzed in order to assess catabolic breakdown of muscle protein. RESULTS: 3-Methylhistidine was significantly increased (P <.05) in cord blood from acidotic fetuses when compared with controls and correlated negatively (P <.05) with umbilical arterial pH. CONCLUSION: Umbilical cord blood 3-methylhistidine may be used to assess fetal nitrogen balance; acidotic fetuses have increased muscle catabolism.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 675-678 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Journal of Reproductive Medicine for the Obstetrician and Gynecologist |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| State | Published - Aug 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Acidosis
- Methylhistines
- Neonate
- Umbilical cord
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obstetrics and Gynecology