Differences in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels by mode of delivery

Objective: To investigate the differences in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels by mode of delivery. Methods: Subjects were 30 mothers who had elective cesarean deliveries and 34 mothers who had vaginal deliveries. Umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels were measured immediately after delivery. Maternal age, neonatal gender, neonatal birth weight, placental weight, and gestational duration were recorded. Inter- and intragroup comparisons were made in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels and obstetric variables. Significant determinants of differences in umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels were investigated. Results: Umbilical venous and arterial leptin levels were higher in the vaginal delivery group (n = 34) than in the cesarean group (n = 30) (P < .01). In the vaginal delivery group, umbilical venous leptin levels were significantly higher than arterial leptin levels (P < .001). These differences were still significant after adjustment for neonatal gender, neonatal birth weight, and placental weight. However, in the cesarean group, leptin levels did not differ between umbilical vein and artery. Conclusion: Placental leptin release is augumented during advanced labor. (Obstet Gynecol 2000;96:3426. (C) 2000 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists).