Endothelin-1 concentrations in cord blood of neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid

BACKGROUND: The effects of meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) on cord blood endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations have not been explored. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify whether MSAF influences ET-1 cord blood concentrations in healthy term neonates. METHODS: Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, plasma ET-1 concentrations were determined in 30 healthy term neonates with MSAF, and in 15 healthy term neonates without MSAF. The two groups were of the same gestational age, weight, Apgar score, cord blood pH, base excess, and hematocrit values, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressures. RESULTS: ET-1 plasma concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups and did not correlate with cord blood pH or base excess values. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that meconium passage does not induce ET-1 secretion.