Plasma levels of 15-F(2t)-isoprostane in newborn infants are affected by mode of delivery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how the mode of delivery affects the level oxidative stress in newborns. DESIGN AND METHODS: 15-F(2t)-isoprostane, as index of oxidative stress, was measured in umbilical cord plasma samples from 37 infants born after vaginal delivery or caesarian section, using specific immuno-affinity extraction and immunoassay. RESULTS: 15-F(2t)-isoprostane levels were higher in infants born after vaginal delivery (n=18) compared to those delivered by elective caesarian section (n=19). CONCLUSIONS: 15-F(2t)-isoprostane is a sensitive biomarker of fetal oxidative stress during labor