Difference in macrophage migration inhibitory factor between preterm and term newborns and associating clinical factors: Preliminary study

This study aimed to investigate the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and associated clinical factors in neonates. Clinical information and blood samples were obtained from 77 neonates. Clinical details were reviewed from medical records, and MIF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using blood samples acquired within a week after birth. Statistical analyses were performed between plasma MIF concentration and clinical factors. Among the 77 newborn infants, 25 were born at <34 weeks of gestation (preterm), 25 at 34 to 37 weeks (late preterm), and 27 at term gestation. The mean MIF was 9849.5 ± 7187.8 pg/mL in preterm, 5718.7 ± 4596.4 in late preterm, and 5361.1 ± 3895.7 in term infants (P = .016). Among 25 preterm infants born at <34 weeks of gestation, MIF was significantly higher in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, 19,478.6 ± 8162.4 pg/mL, n = 5) than that in infants without NEC (feeding intolerance 7173.7 ± 4203.0 pg/mL, n = 12 and others 7844.9 ± 5311.2 pg/mL, n = 8, P = .020). Elevated plasma MIF levels in the transitional period were significantly associated with preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation and the development of NEC.