Cord Blood Cortisol Level - A Possible Predictor for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Biochemistry
• Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a primary cause of mortality in premature infants.
• Clinical and biochemical markers are used to assess RDS risk.
• Cord blood cortisol is explored as a potential biochemical marker for RDS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To correlate cord blood cortisol levels with RDS in preterm neonates.
• To determine if cord blood cortisol is a reliable predictor of RDS.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analytical study conducted over nine months in a tertiary care hospital.
• Fifty preterm neonates were included.
• Cord blood samples collected at delivery for cortisol level analysis and correlation with RDS development.

Main Results:

• Mean cord blood cortisol level was 5.97 ± 2.74 μg/dl.
• Significantly lower cortisol levels (2.86 ± 1.66 μg/dl) were observed in neonates who developed RDS.
• A strong association (OR 57.4) was found between low cord blood cortisol and RDS.
• Neonates of mothers without antenatal steroids had higher RDS rates (p=0.000).
• Expiring neonates had exceptionally low cord blood cortisol (1.89 μg/dl) compared to survivors (7.02 μg/dl).

Conclusions:

• Cord blood cortisol levels are significantly associated with RDS in preterm infants.
• Cord blood cortisol can serve as a predictive marker for RDS.
• Early prediction via cord blood cortisol may facilitate timely treatment, reducing mortality and morbidity.