RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The purpose is to improve the neonatal outcome and to prognosticate the risk for developing respiratory problems. For that reason the serum concentrations of 1-inhibitor of proteolysis (alpha 1-IP) and 2-macroglobuline (alpha 2-M) at very low birth weight infants (< 1500 g) were investigated. STUDY DESIGN: The research is prospective and it is made for the period from January 1st 1995 up to December 31st 1995.17 very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) were the main group and 19 full term babies were the control group. The method of so called 'rocket' immunoelectrophoresis was used (this method was an innovation of D. Nankova [correction of P. Nancova], V. Kamenova, 1990). Blood was taken from babies just after delivery and at 3rd-4th day. Alternative, variantative and graphic analyses were used. RESULTS: The average value of alpha 1-IP for VLBWI was 2.036 g/l (SD +/- 0.44 g/l) for the 1st test and 2.31 g/l (SD +/- 0.41 g/l) for the 2nd test. The average value of the healthy full term babies was 2.055 g/l (SD +/- 0.37 g/l) for both tests. The lowest values of alpha 1-IP (from 0.6 g/l to 1.9 g/l) were in babies with genetic and respiratory problems. The main group had an average value of alpha 2-M 3.44 g/l (SD +/- 0.92 g/l) for the 1st test and a little higher values for the 2nd test -4.99 g/l (SD +/- 0.72 g/l) with significant differences p(t) < 0.0001. The lower levels of alpha 2-M were founded in VLBWI and they were significant for decreased protective reactions against pathologic micro-organisms. CONCLUSIONS: Control of serum concentrations of alpha 1-IP and alpha 2-M are an additional diagnostic and prognostic criterion in VLBWI for developing respiratory problems.