Temporal alteration of serum G-CSF and VEGF levels in perinatal asphyxia treated with head cooling.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are thought to be associated with the pathophysiology of perinatal asphyxia. To clarify any such association, we analyzed the serum levels in neonates with perinatal asphyxia treated with head cooling. STUDY DESIGN: Temporal alterations of serum G-CSF and VEGF levels were measured within 24h of birth in five neonatal cases of severe asphyxia treated with head cooling, five neonatal cases without head cooling, and four healthy neonatal cases. RESULTS: G-CSF in sera markedly increased and sustained in severely asphyxiated neonates treated with head cooling, while VEGF decreased and remained low. CONCLUSION: G-CSF and VEGF levels in sera might be associated with an early phase of brain protection after birth in severe asphyxia treated with head cooling.