ABSTRACT
The aim of study was to compare umbilical cord blood selenium levels in respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] and non RDS preterm babies. 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. During the study 150 preterm babies were studied. Mean umbilical cord blood selenium levels were 98.5 micro g/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 micro g/L respectively [P=0.64]. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to umbilical cord blood selenium levels. In this study there was no significant relationship between selenium umbilical cord blood level and respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates