#AI Reads Urine# Activin-A urine levels correlate with radiological patterns in preterm infants complicated by intraventricular hemorrhage

This research focused on premature infants. Intraventricular hemorrhage is a major complication for them, and currently, its early diagnosis is challenging. The study aimed to figure out if Activin A, a substance in urine, could help diagnose and predict the condition of premature newborns at risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and related neurological problems.

The researchers conducted an observational case - control study. They recruited 46 premature infants, with 23 having intraventricular hemorrhage (the IVH group) and 23 as controls, matched by gestational age. They carried out a series of standard clinical, laboratory, and cerebral ultrasound monitoring procedures. They measured the Activin A levels in the urine of these infants at four different time - points after birth: the first time the baby urinated, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 96 hours. Also, when the infants reached a corrected gestational age of 40 - 42 weeks, they had cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

The results showed that the levels of Activin A in the urine of the IVH group were higher at all the monitoring time - points compared to the control group. There was a connection between the Activin A levels and the grade of intraventricular hemorrhage shown by cerebral ultrasound. What's more, when the Activin A level in the urine at 48 hours was at a certain cut - off value (0.08 pg/mL), it could best predict an abnormal MRI pattern, with good sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values.

In conclusion, this research indicates that the Activin A in the urine of premature infants has a relationship with intraventricular hemorrhage and the results of cerebral ultrasound and MRI. It might be useful in the clinical management of infants at risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and poor neurological outcomes. However, the study also had some limitations, such as the quality of MRI recordings and the need for a larger study population. So, more research is needed in the future.

Ital J Pediatr. 2025 Mar 20;51(1):85. doi: 10.1186/s13052-025-01938-4.

Youhe Gao

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