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Changes in red cell phosphate metabolism of preterm and fullterm infants with perinatal problems during their first

V Cholevas1, A Challa, P D Lapatsanis

  • 1Research Laboratory of Child Health Department, University of Ioannina, Medical School, P.O. Box 1186, Ioannina, 451 10, Greece. bcholev@cc.uoi.gr

European Journal of Pediatrics
|April 27, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Perinatal issues significantly delay phosphate metabolism in preterm infants, affecting red cell 2,3-DPG levels. Fullterm infants show different metabolic responses to these challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Perinatal medicine

Background:

  • Perinatal problems can impact infant metabolism.
  • Red blood cell (RBC) phosphate metabolism is crucial for oxygen delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of perinatal problems on red cell phosphate metabolism in preterm and fullterm infants during the first month of life.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of plasma and RBC inorganic phosphate (Pi), 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG), and ATP levels.
  • Study included two groups of infants: preterms and fullterms, each with and without perinatal problems.
  • Measurements were taken throughout the first month of life.

Main Results:

  • Preterm infants with perinatal problems showed delayed recovery of plasma and RBC Pi, and lower erythrocyte 2,3-DPG compared to controls.
  • Fullterm infants with perinatal problems had lower RBC Pi and ATP, but no significant difference in plasma Pi or RBC 2,3-DPG.
  • Fullterm infants with problems had higher plasma and RBC Pi than affected preterms.
  • RBC 2,3-DPG correlated with Pi levels in preterms and sick fullterms, but only with RBC Pi in healthy fullterms.

Conclusions:

  • Perinatal problems differentially affect phosphate metabolism in preterm and fullterm neonates.
  • These metabolic alterations may have implications for oxygen transport in vulnerable infants.

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