Role of Caspase-3 Level in Perinatal Asphyxia

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is the main cause of neurodevelopmental sequelae and perinatal death. Caspase3 is a major enzyme associated with apoptosis and increases in hypoxicischemic 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 caspase3 level and its role as an outcome predictor in perinatal asphyxia. Methods: This pairedgroup observational analytical crosssectional study lasted from September 2016 to February 2017. In total, 50 neonates were included in the research and Caspase3 levels were examined at two different times. Student’s ttest and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis.Results: There were 23 neonates (46%) with hypoxicischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and an increase in Caspase3 level by 0.3135 points from the first to the second examination (t=6.555; P 0.0001). Results of this study showed a significant correlation between the caspase3 level and mortality in neonates with HIE during both the initial (RR=2.33; P=0.014) and subsequent examinations (RR=2.25; P=0.015). Conclusion: There is a significant increase in Caspase3 levels in infants who suffer from perinatal asphyxia which can predict mortality in neonates with HIE.