Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Iranian Journal of Neonatology

Selenium Level of Umbilical Cord Blood: Is it related to Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ashraf Mohammadzadeh 1
Ahmad Shah Farhat 2
Mahdi Balali 3
Gholamreza Faal 4
Ramin Iranpour 5
Habibullah Esmaieli 6
1 Neonatologist, professor, Neonatal Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
2 Neonatologist, assistant professor, Neonatal Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
3 Toxicologist, professor, Medical Toxicology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
4 Neonatologist, Birjand University of Medical Sciences
5 Neonatologist, associate professor, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
6 Biostatistics PhD, associate professor, Neonatal Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, community medicine and public health department.
10.22038/ijn.2012.277
Abstract
Introduction:
The aim of study was to compare umbilical cord blood selenium levels in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and non RDS preterm babies. 
 
Methods:
Umbilical cord blood selenium levels of all preterm newborn born during a 6-month period were enrolled in the study. They were divided into two groups: RDS and non RDS. Selenium level was assessed by using electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry and serum concentration of selenium was compared between the two groups.
 
Results:
During the study 150 preterm babies were studied. Mean umbilical cord blood selenium levels were 98.5 µg/L. Among 150 preterm babies 27 (18%) had RDS and 82% no RDS. Mean umbilical cord blood selenium level in RDS and non RDS groups were 96.5 and, 96.6 µg/L respectively (P=0.64). There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to umbilical cord blood selenium levels.
 
Conclusion:
In this study there was no significant relationship between selenium umbilical cord blood level and respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates.
 
Keywords
respiratory distress syndrome
Preterm newborns
Selenium level
Umbilical cord blood