Tag Archive for: Infants

Introduction: Oxygen radical injury is thought to be one of the common mechanisms for several diseases in premature infants. Lipid peroxidation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of many neonatal complications. Broncho pulmonary dysplasia, Intraventricular hemorrhage and Retinopathy of Prematurity are due to excessive production of oxygen free radicals.
Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity and Vitamin E levels in preterm and term infants.
Material and methods: We aimed to determine the levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin E in cord blood of term and preterm infants. To determine the oxidative stress and antioxidants in cord blood of term and preterm infants that may have clinical implications. In the present study we determine MDA, Total antioxidant capacity and vitamin E levels in the umbilical cord blood of term (n=50) and preterm (n=50) infants by manual method. Blood samples were collected during delivery. MDA is high in preterm infants compared to term infants.
Results: Total antioxidant capacity and Vitamin E levels are high in term infants compared to preterm infants. Therefore it is possible to postulate that preterm infants are more susceptible to oxidative stress than term infants.
Conclusion: It is concluded that Preterm neonates are exposed to increased oxidant stress at birth and are susceptible to anti-oxidant deficiencies.