Lipid profile in preterm neonates

ABSTRACT

This study comprised 40 neonates divided into 2 groups. The first group composed of 20 preterm neonates with gestational ages ranging from 28-36 weeks and birth weights ranging from 1060-2500 gm. The second group composed of 20 healthy full term neonates as control having birth weight ranging from 2700-4200 gm. Full clinical examination and blood samples were collected from the umbilical cord of all the neonates. Serum was separated and analyzed for low density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], very low density lipoprotein cholesterol [VLDL-C], high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], total cholesterol [T-C] and total triglycerides [T.G.]. Comparative and statistical analysis of the results showed that the mean levels of LDL-C, VLDL-C, HDL-C, T-C and triglycerides were significantly higher in preterm neonates than normal full term neonates. No statistically significant differences between both sexes in each group and lipid levels in preterm neonates in relation to their gestational ages