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. 2025 Feb;114(2):272-284.
doi: 10.1111/apa.17521. Epub 2024 Nov 27.

Evaluating neuronal damage biomarkers at birth for predicting neurodevelopmental risks in foetal growth restriction

Mª José Benítez-Marín  1   2   3 , Marta Blasco-Alonso  1   2   4 , Fernando de Rodríguez de Fonseca  5   6 , Jesús S Jiménez  1   2   4 , Patricia Rivera  5   7 , Ernesto González-Mesa  1   2   4
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Evaluating neuronal damage biomarkers at birth for predicting neurodevelopmental risks in foetal growth restriction

Mª José Benítez-Marín et al. Acta Paediatr. 2025 Feb.

Abstract

Aim: This study was based on the need to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with foetal growth restriction. The aim was to systematically review the correlation between biomarkers of neural injury in children with foetal growth restriction and their neurodevelopment.

Method: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, the review included studies on growth-restricted foetuses that measured biomarkers of postpartum brain injury and assessed neurodevelopment in childhood. Studies published between 1 January 2014 and 31 March 2024 were identified through PubMed and Embase, with the study protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024520254).

Results: Only five met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that urinary S100B levels were significantly elevated in foetal growth restriction, negatively correlating with neurological development at 7 days of life. Neuron-specific enolase negatively correlated with cognitive, motor and socio-emotional development. Urinary nerve growth factor levels were significantly lower in neonates with foetal growth restriction, correlating with poor neurodevelopment. No alterations in BDNF levels were observed. Tau protein levels were lower in children with foetal growth restriction and adverse outcomes.

Conclusion: The study emphasised the need for further research on biomarkers and predictive models of neurodevelopment in children with foetal growth restriction.

Keywords: foetal growth restriction; neurodevelopment; neuronal damage biomarkers; perinatal mortality; small for gestational age.

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References

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