Advancements in neonatology and medical technology have significantly improved the care of preterm infants. However, premature babies are still at high risk for complications like infections and sepsis. Many of these health risks are not easily detected in real-time using current diagnostic tools.
A new study from Northwestern Medicine, published in Scientific Reports, reveals that proteins found in umbilical cord blood could serve as biomarkers to help doctors better understand the health of preterm infants. These biomarkers could eventually lead to precision medicine approaches to improve care and treatment.
Why Umbilical Cord Blood Matters
Umbilical cord blood offers a unique insight into a baby’s health at birth. Unlike regular blood samples, it captures a “snapshot” of the baby’s proteome (all the proteins expressed in the body) before the newborn transitions to postnatal life.
The study’s lead researcher, explains that understanding a baby’s developmental state at birth can help optimize health outcomes rather than just focusing on survival.
Key Findings of the Study
Researchers analyzed umbilical cord blood samples from 150 infants born between 25 to 42 weeks of gestation at Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital. Using mass spectrometry proteomics, they discovered that protein levels change based on gestational age.
- Early in pregnancy (preterm babies) – More proteins related to structural development, growth, and blood vessel formation were present.
- Later in pregnancy (full-term babies) – Higher levels of immune response and inflammation-related proteins, such as complements and calcium-binding proteins, were found.
These insights help explain why preterm babies have a weaker immune system and are more vulnerable to infections, brain bleeds, and other complications.
A Step Toward Precision Medicine in Neonatal Care
The researchers believe these biomarkers can help doctors develop targeted treatments for preterm infants. By identifying what is missing in premature babies, medical teams can personalize care to improve survival and long-term health outcomes.
The study also highlights that these findings could lead to a cord blood diagnostic test at birth. This test would help doctors:
✅ Stratify risk for early-onset infections
✅ Provide targeted antibiotic therapy only to babies who truly need it
✅ Reduce unnecessary antibiotic use and explore alternative treatments
The Future of Neonatal Care
The next step for this research is to validate these biomarkers and develop a reliable diagnostic tool for early-onset sepsis. This would allow doctors to predict which babies need urgent intervention and which can be spared unnecessary treatments.
With further studies, umbilical cord blood biomarkers could revolutionize neonatal care, giving doctors better tools to protect the health of preterm infants while providing parents with clearer expectations about their baby’s short-term and long-term health.
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