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Updated: Apr 13, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Anti-oxidant profiles and markers of oxidative stress in preterm neonates
Eman Abdel Ghany Abdel Ghany1, Walaa Alsharany1, Aliaa Adel Ali1
1a Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine , Cairo University.
Insights
Preterm infants have lower antioxidant levels and higher oxidative stress markers. Supplementation with vitamins A and E may improve outcomes and reduce complications in preterm neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Nutrition
Background:
- Preterm birth increases oxidant burden, elevating injury risk in neonates.
- Oxidative stress and antioxidant status are critical factors in preterm infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare antioxidant levels (vitamins A, E, catalase, TAS) and oxidative stress marker (MDA) between preterm and full-term neonates.
- To assess changes in vitamin levels from birth to discharge in preterm infants.
- To correlate antioxidant levels with oxidative stress and complications in preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 100 preterm and 100 full-term neonates.
- Measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) via thiobarbituric acid-reactive technique.
- Quantification of total antioxidant status (TAS), catalase activity, and vitamin A and E levels using HPLC and spectrophotometry.
Main Results:
- Preterm neonates exhibited significantly lower vitamin A, vitamin E, TAS, and catalase levels (P<0.01).
- Preterm infants showed significantly higher MDA levels (P<0.01) compared to full-term neonates.
- Vitamin A and E levels increased significantly from birth to discharge in preterm infants (P<0.01).
- Lower levels of vitamins A, E, and catalase at birth were associated with necrotizing enterocolitis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Conclusions:
- Preterm neonates face heightened oxidative stress and antioxidant deficiencies.
- Enteral vitamin A supplementation may reduce morbidity and improve outcomes in preterm infants.
- Further research is needed to determine optimal oral vitamin E dosage for preterm neonates.
Background:
Preterm birth is associated with an increased oxidant burden which places these infants at a higher risk of injury.
Aims:
This prospective study aimed to assess levels of antioxidants and a marker of oxidative stress in preterm neonates.
Objectives:
(i) To compare levels of anti-oxidants [vitamin A, vitamin E, catalase, total anti-oxidant status (TAS)] as well as malondialdehyde level (MDA) (a marker of lipid peroxidation) between preterm and full-term neonates; (ii) to determine changes in the values of measured vitamins at birth and at discharge among preterm neonates; and (iii) to compare levels of anti-oxidants with MDA levels in relation to complications of prematurity and outcome.
Methods:
The study was undertaken in 100 preterm neonates and 100 full-term neonates as a control group. MDA was estimated by a thiobarbituric acid-reactive technique; TAS was determined using a Randox assay kit; catalase activity was measured spectrophotometrically and vitamin A and E levels were estimated by high performance liquid chromatography.
Results:
The plasma levels of vitamin A, vitamin E, TAS and catalase were significantly lower in the preterm than in the full-term group (P < 0.01), and the plasma level of MDA was significantly higher in preterm than full-term neonates (P < 0.01). Vitamin A and E levels in preterm neonates were significantly higher at discharge than at birth (P < 0.01). Vitamin A, vitamin E and catalase levels at birth were significantly lower in patients who developed necrotizing enterocolitis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia than in those who did not.
Conclusion:
Preterm neonates are exposed to increased oxidant stress at birth and are susceptible to anti-oxidant deficiencies. A higher dose of enteral vitamin A supplementation in preterm neonates might reduce morbidity and improve outcome. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the appropriate dose of oral vitamin E supplementation for preterm neonates.
