RESUMO
PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The authors aimed to evaluate the endocan levels in the umbilical cord blood regarding the delivery mode. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred six women aged between 20 to 35 years, undergoing delivery at term were studied. Three groups were formed; 37 neonates born by spontaneous vaginal delivery (group 1), 34 neonates born by an elective cesarean section with the general anesthesia (group 2), and 35 neonates, born by an elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia (group 3). In delivery, umbilical cord blood samples were collected and endocan levels were measured. RESULTS: The endocan levels of cord blood (mean ± standard deviation, ng/ml) were found to be lower in group 2 (1.21 ± 0.46) compared to group 1 (1.52 ± 0.52) (p = 0.011). Cord blood endocan levels were not different in group 1 than those of group 3 (p = 0.49). CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that cord blood endocan levels are affected by the delivery mode.