Oxidative Stress and Anti-Oxidant Markers in Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) caused by decreased surfactant and structural lung immaturity. The imbalance between oxidative status and antioxidant defence system was suggested to be an important trigger for lung affection with RDS. AIM: The goal of the current research was to elucidate the significance of the oxidant/ antioxidant status in the pathogenesis of RDS in preterm infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This controlled study included 31 preterm neonates with RDS and 36 healthy preterm neonates. Quantification level of oxidative stress biomarkers; malondialdehyde (MDA) & hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) along with antioxidant enzymes activity; catalase (CAT) & superoxide dismutase (SOD) in plasma of healthy premature neonates compared with those with RDS. RESULTS: status of oxidative stress markers (MDA & H2O2) showed a significant increase with decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes activity (CAT & SOD) in neonates with RDS when compared to healthy prematures. CONCLUSION: The results obtained in this study indicate that the increased oxidative stress accompanied by reduced antioxidant defences may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress in preterm newborns.

Prediction of Gut Wall Integrity Loss in Viral Gastroenteritis by Non-Invasive Marker.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (I-FABPs) are mainly expressed in the intestinal villi, which are the initial site of destruction in viral gastroenteritis. AIM: This study was designed to assess serum I-FABPs as a predictor of gut wall integrity loss in viral gastroenteritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This case-control cross-sectional study was conducted on 93 cases of acute viral gastroenteritis. Twenty-eight healthy children matching in age were recruited as control group. Serum I-FABPs were measured using ELISA technique. Viral detection and typing were done by PCR for adenovirus, and by Reverse transcriptase PCR for rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus. RESULTS: Serum I-FABPs level was significantly higher in the cases compared to the controls and was also higher in the 46 rotavirus gastroenteritis cases compared to other viral gastroenteritis cases. Serum I- FABPs level was significantly higher in severely dehydrated cases as compared to mildly dehydrated ones (P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Serum I-FABPs could be used as an early and sensitive predictor marker of gut wall integrity loss in children with viral gastroenteritis and its level can indicate case severity.