Circulating Dickkopf-1 in hypoxic ischemic neonates.

OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to determine the serum level of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) in peripheral blood of neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). METHODS: We measured serum levels of Dkk-1 by ELISA in neonates with HIE (n = 20) within 24 h from symptom onset and in healthy controls (n = 20). RESULTS: Dkk-1 serum levels increased significantly in HIE neonates than in healthy control. DKK-1 serum levels increased significantly in HIE neonates with convulsion, using multiple anti-convulsant drugs and those complicated with cranial ultrasound changes. Serum DKK-1 levels increased significantly in severe HIE patients. CONCLUSION: Our study provides for the first time the evidence of releasing Dkk-1 into the circulation of neonates with HIE with higher level in severe degree.