Alpha-b crystallin in diagnosis of neonatal brain damage

Abstract

The invention provides a method for the diagnosis of brain damage in a neonate. The method comprises a step of analyzing the level of alpha-B crystallin in a tissue or body fluid sample obtained fromthe neonate. The method is particularly useful for diagnosing preterm infants or neonates with a low birth weight.

Description

Background technique [0001] Newborn care faces many challenges. Newborns need special medical care and protection, especially when birth complications occur due to premature birth. Preterm newborns are predisposed to several risk factors, some of which are related to affecting brain development. [0002] Preterm or preterm birth is the birth of a child whose gestational age is less than 37 weeks. Premature babies are at higher risk of serious illness, as well as developmental delays or hearing and vision problems. [0003] According to the World Health Organization, the number of premature babies is increasing every year, with about one in 10 babies currently born prematurely. In Germany, for example, an estimated 63,000 babies are born prematurely each year, of which 8,000 are born before 30 weeks of gestation. The cause of premature birth remains elusive. Research has identified several risk factors, but no clear cause. [0004] Complications of preterm birth are the m...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

They may help in the early detection of brain damage, but unfortunately the levels of these biomarkers are also affected by other factors such as gestational age and intrauterine growth restriction which unfortunately leads to unreliable diagnosis result

[0011] In addition, there are few reports on PVL biomarkers

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