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[Evaluation of selected lipid metabolism parameters in premature infants with infections]
U Godula-Stuglik1, V Stachnowska-Golba, E Stempniewicz
1Kliniki Patologii Noworodka Sl. A. M. w Zabrzu.
Insights
In premature infants, infection alters lipid profiles and liver enzymes. Cholesterol levels initially drop then rise, with abnormal lipoprotein patterns and elevated liver enzymes observed in infected newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Biochemistry
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Premature infants are vulnerable to infections, which can significantly impact their metabolic and physiological functions.
- Understanding the biochemical changes associated with neonatal infections is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of infection on serum lipid profiles, lipoprotein concentrations, and liver enzyme activities in premature infants.
- To identify correlations between specific biochemical markers and clinical outcomes in septic neonates.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 49 premature infants (25 infected, 24 healthy) were analyzed.
- Lipid concentrations (cholesterol, triglycerides) and lipoprotein electrophoresis (alpha, pre-beta, beta) were performed.
- Activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AspAt), alanine aminotransferase (AlAt), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) were measured.
Main Results:
- Infected prematures showed lower initial serum cholesterol but higher levels by weeks 2-3 of illness compared to healthy infants.
- Abnormalities in lipoprotein profiles (lower alpha, higher pre-beta and beta) were noted in sick infants.
- Positive correlations were found between high serum cholesterol, GGTP, and AspAt in septic neonates.
- Hepatitis was diagnosed in 30% of septic neonates, with liver damage in 65% of fatal cases.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal infection significantly disrupts lipid metabolism and liver function in premature infants.
- Elevated liver enzymes and altered lipoprotein patterns are indicative of infection severity and potential liver complications.
- These biochemical markers can aid in assessing disease progression and predicting outcomes in septic neonates.
Abstract:
In 49 prematures (25 infected and 24 healthy) serum cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations, value of alpha, pre-beta and beta serum lipoproteins (by electrophoresis) and activity of AspAt, AlAt and GGTP were estimated. It was stated, that the mean serum cholesterol concentration at the beginning of infection was significantly lower than in healthy babies, but in 2-3 week of disease the mean value of this parameter was significantly higher than in first week of life. Mean value of alpha lipoprotein was significantly lower, mean value of pre-beta and beta lipoproteins were higher in sick prematures than in control. In septic prematures positive correlation between the high serum cholesterol concentration and activity of GGTP and AspAt was found. In 30% of all septic neonates hepatitis and in 65% of dead infected prematures structural damage of liver were noted.