Motilin Levels in Term Neonates Who Have Passed Meconium Prior to Birth

Abstract

Motilin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay from umbilical cord blood obtained at birth from 38 term neonates (median gestational age 40 weeks, range 39-42 weeks). Birth weights of these neonates ranged from 2,840 to 4,593 G (median 3,600 G). Forty-two percent (16/38) of these neonates passed antenatal meconium. The median motilin level was 177 fmol/ml in those neonates who passed antenatal meconium and 111.5 fmol/ml in those neonates who did not pass meconium prior to birth (p < 0.01). Although fetal distress has been found to be associated with elevated motilin levels at birth, such an association was not found in this study. These data support an association between elevated motilin levels at birth and antenatal meconium passage.