Association of cord blood total protein and albumin levels with respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundRespiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. It’s severity and treatment affect the outcome of premature infants in neonatal intensive cares. Some studies have claimed that hypoalbuminemia and hypoproteinemia have an association with low outcome in preterm infants. In the current study, it is aimed to assess the association between serum total protein and albumin with the presentation of RDS among these group of newborns.MethodsIn the current cross-sectional study, 100 preterm neonates were assessed. This included a control group of 50 healthy neonates as well as a case group of 50 neonates diagnosed with RDS. Two milliliters of umbilical cord arterial blood sample was taken from each neonate, and laboratory indices, including total serum protein and albumin, were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare identify potential variations between samples from healthy and RDS groups.ResultsNo statistical difference was detected between healthy and RDS affected preterm neonates regarding total protein (P-value=0.16) and serum albumin (P-value=0.27) levels. Total serum protein and albumin were not affected by the newborn's birth weight, and gender (P-value>0.05) among both healthy preterm neonates and the ones with RDS. However, significant association was detected with the gestational age (P-value