Cord blood endothelin-1 and perinatal asphyxia

Discordant data have been reported on endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent endothe lium-derived vasoconstriction peptide, during the neonatal period, and elev ated levels have been found in various neonatal diseases. This study evalua ted ET-1 in the cord blood of 74 neonates of different gestational age, bir thweight, mode of delivery and 5'-Apgar score, Conclusion: Higher ET-1 levels were found in neonates born by emergency cae sarean section, and in newborns with low 5'-Apgar score, suggesting that ET -1 could be a marker of perinatal asphyxia.