Evaluating the Likelihood of Hypoxia in Pregnant Women through Analysis of Erythrocyte Membrane Permeability

Approximately 11% of newborns experience hypoxia, which is a primary factor contributing to premature births, neonatal and fetal mortality, and various health complications. Fetal oxygen exchange occurs through the placenta, facilitated by erythrocytes. Consequently, fetal respiration is affected by the efficiency of erythrocyte passage through small capillaries. The elasticity, surface area, and permeability of the erythrocyte membrane directly affect the effectiveness of intrauterine respiration. This study examines various techniques for assessing the dynamic properties of erythrocyte and examines the number of anion exchange proteins present on erythrocyte membranes. This study included 4 pregnant women, 2 of whom were at risk of premature labor and received tocolytic therapy to mitigate this risk. The findings of this study show changes in the dynamic strength-to-elasticity ratio of erythrocyte membranes, variations in the levels of band 3 protein, and alterations in the CO2-O2 exchange rate during the tocolytic treatment of the pregnant participants.