Evaluation of endothelial microparticles as a prognostic marker in hemolytic disease of the newborn in China

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate endothelial microparticles (EMPs) as a potential prognostic marker in hemolytic disease of the Chinese neonate. METHODS: We compared 29 newborns with ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (ABO HDN), 22 newborns with Rh HDN, and 21 healthy newborns with matched mother and infant blood groups (controls). Markers of hemolysis and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag) were analyzed. EMP (CD144+) levels were measured before and after therapy. RESULTS: vWF Ag and pretherapy EMP levels were higher in the ABO HDN and Rh HDN groups than in the control group. Additionally, vWF Ag and pretherapy EMP levels were significantly higher in the ABO HDN group than in the Rh HDN group. Posttherapy EMP levels were decreased compared with pretherapy levels in the ABO HDN and Rh HDN groups. Moreover, hemoglobin and indirect bilirubin levels were independently correlated with pretherapy EMP levels in the ABO HDN group. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that EMP measurement in neonates with HDN may provide a novel method of monitoring possible severe vascular dysfunction in patients in China. An external validation in larger datasets is necessary for further study.