Chemokines plasma levels in preterm newborns of preeclamptic mothers

Information on leukocyte activation in newborn infants of preeclamptic mothers is scarce. IL-8 and GRO-α are the main pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in leukocyte activation. The objective was to evaluate IL-8 and GRO-α plasma levels in preterm newborns infants of preeclamptic mothers. Newborns with gestational age <36 weeks and birth weight <2000 g were included and divided: non-preeclamptic (n = 64) and preeclamptic groups (n = 55). Exclusion criteria were major congenital malformations, inborn errors of metabolism or chromosomal anomalies, congenital infections, death in delivery room, and maternal chronic hypertension without preeclampsia. IL-8 and GRO-α were measured by enzyme immunoassay in the first 48 h. Groups were similar in birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores at 5 min, sepsis, RDS, mechanical ventilation, TPN, NEC, intraventricular hemorrhage and death. The preeclamptic group had more neutropenia, SGA, cesarean section, and less rupture of membranes >18 h. IL-8 was higher in the non-preeclamptic [157.1 pg/mL (86.4–261.3) and 26.54 pg/mL (3.6–87.2) p < 0.001]. GRO-α levels were similar in both groups [229.5 pg/mL (116.6–321.3) and 185.5 pg/mL (63.9–306.7) p = 0.236]. After multiple regression analysis only absence of preeclampsia was associated with high IL-8 levels. Our data suggest that leukocyte activation may be impaired in infants of preeclamptic mothers.