Information on leukocyte activation in newborn infants of preeclamptic mothers is scarce. IL-8 and GRO-α are the main pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in leukocyte activation. The objective was to evaluate IL-8 and GRO-α plasma levels in preterm newborns infants of preeclamptic mothers. Newborns with gestational age <36weeks and birth weight <2000g were included and divided: non-preeclamptic (n=64) and preeclamptic groups (n=55). Exclusion criteria were major congenital malformations, inborn errors of metabolism or chromosomal anomalies, congenital infections, death in delivery room, and maternal chronic hypertension without preeclampsia. IL-8 and GRO-α were measured by enzyme immunoassay in the first 48h. Groups were similar in birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores at 5min, sepsis, RDS, mechanical ventilation, TPN, NEC, intraventricular hemorrhage and death. The preeclamptic group had more neutropenia, SGA, cesarean section, and less rupture of membranes >18h. IL-8 was higher in the non-preeclamptic [157.1pg/mL (86.4–261.3) and 26.54pg/mL (3.6–87.2) p<0.001]. GRO-α levels were similar in both groups [229.5pg/mL (116.6–321.3) and 185.5pg/mL (63.9–306.7) p=0.236]. After multiple regression analysis only absence of preeclampsia was associated with high IL-8 levels. Our data suggest that leukocyte activation may be impaired in infants of preeclamptic mothers.