Serum growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a useful biomarker of mitochondrial diseases; its utility in newborns remains unknown. To investigate the temporal change in GDF15 within the first week of life, and to identify its potential control variables, blood samples were obtained from 18 newborns. The GDF15 levels declined to approximately 35% of the cord blood levels within the first week of life and were negatively correlated with postnatal age and Z-score of birth weight but were positively correlated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and lactate levels. GDF15 levels may reflect the progress of postnatal transition to aerobic metabolism.

血清生长分化因子 15 (GDF15) 是线粒体疾病的有用生物标志物；它在新生儿中的效用仍然未知。为了研究 GDF15 在生命第一周内的时间变化，并确定其潜在的控制变量，我们从 18 名新生儿身上采集了血液样本。GDF15 水平在出生后第一周内下降至脐带血水平的约 35%，与出生后年龄和出生体重的 Z 评分呈负相关，但与 N 端脑利钠肽前体和乳酸水平呈正相关。GDF15 水平可能反映出生后向有氧代谢过渡的进展。