Increase of neuronal injury markers Tau and neurofilament light proteins in umbilical blood after intrapartum asphyxia.

AIM: Compare the levels of the brain injury biomarkers Tau and neurofilament light protein (NFL) in cases of asphyxia with those in controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed the neuronal proteins Tau and NFL in umbilical blood of 10 cases of severe-moderate intrapartum asphyxia and in 18 control cases.

RESULTS: The levels of both Tau and neurofilament were significantly higher after asphyxia and it appeared to be a correlation between the levels of the biomarkers and the severity of the insult.

DISCUSSION: Future studies are warranted to support or refute the value of Tau/NFLin clinical practice.

CONCLUSION: Fetal asphyxia remains a clinical problem resulting in life-long neurological disabilities. We urgently need more accurate early predictive markers to direct the clinician when to provide neuroprotective therapy.