Factors Associated With Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Neonates: a Pilot Study

Abstract Objective: The study was to conduct an investigation of associated factor with macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in neonates.Results: MIF was measured by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) using sera obtained from sick neonates on the median postnatal 2.0nd day. Clinical details were reviewed from medical record and grouped into preterm and near or full-term neonates based on 34 weeks of gestation at birth. Statistical analyses were performed between MIF concentration and clinical factors. In total, 77 neonates consisted of preterm (n = 42) and term neonates (n = 35) were included. The median value of plasma MIF was higher in preterm neonates (7,037.6 pg/mL, IQR: 3,285.2-12,267.4) than in the others (3,968.8 pg/mL, IQR: 2,566.4-6,995.2, P = 0.013). Among 42 preterm neonates, those with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in later had higher MIF concentration (12,170.9 pg/mL, IQR: 8,353.3-23,537.7, n = 9) compared with the others without NEC (5,189.6 pg/mL, IQR: 3,220.2-9,097.9, n = 33, P = 0.016). Associated factors of higher MIF in neonates were preterm neonates and NEC.