Role of Caspase-۳ Level in Perinatal Asphyxia

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is the main cause of neurodevelopmental sequelae and perinatal death. Caspase-۳ is a major enzyme associated with apoptosis and increases in hypoxic-ischemic events. There is still no reliable biomarker to predict the severity and outcome of an asphyxial event. In this regard, this study aimed to determine the caspase-۳ level and its role as an outcome predictor in perinatal asphyxia. Methods: This paired-group observational analytical cross-sectional study lasted from September ۲۰۱۶ to February ۲۰۱۷. In total, ۵۰ neonates were included in the research and Caspase-۳ levels were examined at two different times. Student’s t-test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results: There were ۲۳ neonates (۴۶%) with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and an increase in Caspase-۳ level by ۰.۳۱۳۵ points from the first to the second examination (t=۶.۵۵۵; P<۰.۰۰۰۱). Results of this study showed a significant correlation between the caspase-۳ level and mortality in neonates with HIE during both the initial (RR=۲.۳۳; P=۰.۰۱۴) and subsequent examinations (RR=۲.۲۵; P=۰.۰۱۵). Conclusion: There is a significant increase in Caspase-۳ levels in infants who suffer from perinatal asphyxia which can predict mortality in neonates with HIE.