S100 protein content of umbilical cord blood in healthy newborns in relation to mode of delivery.

Background: Early detection and quantification of brain damage in neonatal asphyxia is important. In adults, S100 protein in blood is associated with damage to the central nervous system.

Objective: To determine whether S100 protein can be detected in arterial and venous cord blood of healthy newborns and to relate S100 protein concentrations in cord blood to mode of delivery.