Glutathione peroxidase and selenium status: relation to outcome in neonatal sepsis with jaundice

ABSTRACT

To detect changes in serum levels of glutathione peroxidase [GPx] selenium [Se] and their relation to outcome of jaundiced septic neonates, the following study was conducted on thirty neonates. They were subdivided into group 1 [12 fullterms=FT] and group II [18 preterms-PT]. Twenty two age and sex matched apparently healthy neonates served as the control group. Results revealed that the difference between GPx and Se in FT jaundiced septic neonates [group I] versus FT controls was statistically nonsignificant [p >0 05] while the difference between them as regards total serum bilirubin was statistically highly significant [p< 0.001] Statistical comparison between results of GPx, Se and total serum bilirubin levels in PT jaundiced septic neonates [group II] compared to PT controls revealed a highly significant decrease of GPx and Se and increase in serum bilirubin [P < 0 001 respectively]. Of the studied group of septic preterms, six neontes died while no mortalities were reported in the studied group of septic fullterms during the period of the study GPx and Se were statistically significantly lower in group II [= PT] than in group I [=FT]. In conclusion, statistically significant GPx and Se decrease in PT jaundiced septic neonates [group II] can be used as predictors of outcome as regards mortality