The relationship between pregnancies complicated with fetal growth restriction and umbilical cord blood endocan concentrations

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The main etiological factor in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is the impairment of the fetoplacental unit. Due to the placental endothelial disintegrity and vascular permeability disruptions, endocan has been an interesting molecule to search for associations with IUGR. The aim of this study was to investigate the umbilical cord blood endocan concentrations in IUGR pregnancies. Methods This cross-sectional case-control study was conducted on 50 IUGR-complicated (patients) and 50 control pregnancies. The demographics and clinical findings were recruited from records. The umbilical cord blood was studied for endocan concentrations. Results The patient group compared to controls had significantly more previous IUGR history, lower maternal weight gain, an earlier gestational week at delivery, and more cesarean sections (p<0.001). The umbilical cord endocan concentrations were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p<0.001). Oligohydramnios (n=38) was significantly higher in the patients and had a significant relationship with high endocan concentrations (p<0.001). Moderate and mild positive correlations were found among endocan concentration and biparietal diameter/head circumference and femur length values, respectively, while a moderate negative correlation was observed in abdominal circumference values (p<0.001). Conclusions A significant increase in the umbilical cord blood endocan concentrations was found in IUGR pregnancies.