Novel predictor markers for early differentiation between transient tachypnea of newborn and respiratory distress syndrome in neonates.

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) and Transient Tachypnea of newborn (TTN) are common similar neonatal respiratory diseases. Study the early predictor markers in differentiation between TTN and RDS in neonates. A prospective case control study which was done in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Tanta University Hospital (TUH) from September 2016 to March 2018. Three groups of neonates were included in the study: RDS group (45 neonates), TTN group (45 neonates), and control group (45 healthy neonates). There were statistically significant difference (SSD) between our studied three groups as regard serum Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase SOD, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and blood PH and P-values were 0.001* for these comparative parameters. The ROC curve of RDS cases revealed that the serum MDA Cut off, sensitivity and specificity were 1.87 mmol/L, 98%, 96%, respectively which had the highest sensitivity and specificity followed by the serum SOD then the serum LDH and lastly the blood PH while in TTN cases, the serum MDA Cut off, sensitivity and specificity were 0.74 mmol/L, 96%, 93%, respectively then the serum SOD then the serum LDH and lastly the blood PH. Serum MDA, SOD, LDH, and PH had a beneficial role as early predictors in differentiation between TTN and RDS in neonates.

Comparison of Umbilical Cord Serum Vitamin D Levels between Infants with Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn and those without Respiratory Distress.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is one of the most frequent causes of respiratory distress in neonates. A relationship has been shown between vitamin D deficiency and respiratory disorders in neonates. This research was carried out to evaluate the serum level of vitamin D in TTN newborns and their mothers compared to the control group. METHODS: This case-control research was conducted during 2016-2019 in a general hospital affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Thirty-four infants with TTN and 82 neonates in the control group as well as their mothers were investigated. The levels of umbilical cord serum vitamin D in infants with TTN and also their mothers were compared to the control group. RESULTS: The mean levels of serum vitamin D in infants with TTN and their mothers were 8.11 ± 4.32 and 12.6 ± 10.12 ng/mL, respectively (P<0.001), whereas they were 19.21 ± 12.71 and 25.96 ± 16.6 ng/mL in the newborns of the control group and their mothers, respectively (P<0.001). The mean differences (95% CI) of neonatal and maternal vitamin D level between the two groups were 11.10 (7.92-14.28) and 13.36 (7.90-18.08), respectively. In the TTN group, 100% of the infants had vitamin D levels less than 30 ng/mL (79.4% had severe, 17.6% had moderate and 2.9% showed mild deficiency). However, vitamin D levels lower than 30 ng/mL were observed in 76.4% of the neonates in the control group (28.8% had severe, 31.1% showed moderate and 16.3% had a mild deficiency) (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The serum vitamin D levels of infants with TTN and their mothers were significantly lower than the control group. Therefore, TTN in infants may be reduced through the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in mothers.

Human Epididymis Protein 4 Levels in Neonates with Respiratory Disorder.

RESULTS: There were no differences found in the HE4 levels determined for the mothers' blood samples and umbilical cord blood samples in all investigated groups. In comparison with healthy children, the elevated HE4 levels were observed in neonates with TTN. Significant positive correlation between HE4 and CRP as well as PCT levels was observed in all investigated neonates. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated the cut-off value for the serum HE4 in the researched neonates at the level of 318.5 pmol/L, yielding the sensitivity of 73.9% and specificity of 66.7% for the early diagnosis of TTN. CONCLUSIONS: Serum HE4 could be considered as a candidate biomarker for the early diagnosis of pulmonary dysfunction in the newborns.

The utility of amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes for prediction of neonatal respiratory disorders.

Background: Amniotic fluid (AF) is a complex structure with a changing content by gestation. Lower genomic expression of Na channels in airways was shown to be associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The aim of this study was to determine the possible role of amniotic fluid pH and electrolytes for prediction of neonatal respiratory morbidities.Methods: This was a prospective controlled cohort study. During C-section, 1 ml of AF was aspirated before incision of membranes. AF pH and electrolytes were analyzed by blood gas analyzer. Maternal and neonatal demographic features and clinical outcomes, respiratory morbidities were all recorded.Results: AF Na and K values were significantly higher in all infants with respiratory morbidities compared with those who did not develop respiratory findings. AF Na value was significantly higher in preterm neonates with RDS as well as in term neonates with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). AF pH did not show any significant difference for prediction of respiratory morbidities in term and preterm infants.Conclusion: This is the first study that reported the value of AF Na and K levels for prediction of respiratory morbidities in term and preterm infants. However, further studies including larger number of infants are required to confirm the role of AF analysis to predict neonatal respiratory morbidities. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) number: NCT02813954.

Is serum procalcitonin level a reliable indicator in early diagnosis of congenital pneumonia?

Bozkaya D, Yigit S, Yurdakök M. Is serum procalcitonin level a reliable indicator in early diagnosis of congenital pneumonia? Turk J Pediatr 2019; 61: 34-39. The clinical signs in congenital pneumonia mimic other conditions like transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Differential diagnosis is difficult since laboratory findings have limited value. Procalcitonin (PCT) is an important and widely studied marker of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of PCT in newborn patients hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with the diagnosis of congenital pneumonia. The infants with respiratory distress who were born at Hacettepe University between 2005-2015 and hospitalized in the NICU were included in the study. A total of 200 newborn infants; 54 (27%) infants with congenital pneumonia (Group-1), 42 (21%) infants with TTN (Group-2), 40 (20%) infants with RDS (Group-3) and 64 (32%) healthy infants (group-4), were included in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, sampling time for PCT and CRP and the characteristics of the mother (p > 0.05). Mean serum PCT level was higher in the congenital pneumonia group than in the other groups (p < 0.001). Result of this study shows that procalcitonin is an important early marker in the diagnosis of congenital pneumonia.

Platelet mass index and prediction of severity of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND: Platelet mass index (PMI) is associated with platelet functionality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of PMI in predicting the severity of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). METHODS: Infants with gestational age ≥37 weeks and birthweight ≥2,000 g who were given nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation for TTN ≤6 h after birth were retrospectively enrolled in this study. PMI was calculated using the following formula: PMI = platelet count × mean platelet volume/103 (fL/nL). The study infants (n = 101) were divided into two groups according to the duration of tachypnea: ≤48 h (n = 45) and >48 h (n = 56). RESULTS: The PMI and platelet count were significantly lower in the group with tachypnea duration >48 h than in the tachypnea duration ≤48 h group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.04, respectively). A negative significant correlation was noted between PMI and the duration of tachypnea (r = -0.43, P < 0.001). A PMI cut-off of 1,562 fL/nL can predict prolonged tachypnea (>48 h) with a sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 68.9%, positive predictive value of 71.4%, and negative predictive value of 59.6% (area under the curve, 0.682 ± 0.053; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Lower PMI and lower platelet count are associated with longer duration of tachypnea in patients with TTN.

Early rescue Neopuff for infants with transient tachypnea of newborn: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), delivered using a T-piece-based infant resuscitator (Neopuff) via a face mask, in reducing the severity and duration of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) as well as testing a hypothesis suggesting that rapid clearance of fetal lung fluid to the circulation via CPAP would increase plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial (NCT01859533) was conducted on 64 late preterm/term neonates, delivered by cesarean section and presented by respiratory distress shortly after birth. The Neopuff group included 34 neonates received 20 min of early CPAP and control group included 30 neonates received free flow O2. Plasma BNP was measured baseline and 2 h later. RESULTS: The duration of tachypnea was shorter in Neopuff group with less need of neonatal intensive care unit admission and need of mechanical support (p < .05) with no effect on duration of hospitalization (p > .05). Plasma BNP showed no significant difference between pre- and post-Neopuff levels (p > .05). A positive correlation was found between BNP and duration of tachypnea as well as the length of hospitalization (p < .05) among Neopuff group. CONCLUSION: Early rescue CPAP reduces the duration and severity of respiratory distress among infants with TTN.

Relationship between thyroid hormone levels and transient tachypnea of the newborn in late-preterm, early-term, and term infants.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the association between thyroid hormone levels and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) among late-preterm, early-term, and term infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). MATERIALS AND METHOD: In the current retrospective study, neonates admitted to the NICU due to TTN were assigned to the TTN group (n = 404). Healthy neonates who were followed up in the well-baby nursery comprised the control group (n = 7335). Infants were grouped by gestational age into late-preterm (34-366 weeks), early-term (37-386 weeks), and term subgroups (39-416 weeks). Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxin (T4) were determined from venipuncture samples taken at least 48 hours after birth. The relationship between thyroid hormone levels and the need for NICU admission for TTN was compared between groups. RESULTS: Compared to control infants, term neonates with TTN had significantly higher TSH levels, whereas late-preterm and early-term neonates with TTN had significantly lower T4 levels. Birth weight and mode of delivery had no effect on NICU admission for TTN. CONCLUSIONS: Infants admitted to NICU due to TTN had significantly different thyroid hormone levels with differences depending on gestational age.

Maternal and neonatal vitamin D deficiency and transient tachypnea of the newborn in full term neonates.

AIM: To investigate the association between maternal and neonatal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and development of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) in full term infants. METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study carried out on 30 neonates with TTN and their mothers and 30 control neonates and their mothers. Levels of 25-OHD were measured in maternal and neonatal blood samples that were obtained in the first 12-24 h of postnatal age. RESULTS: Both maternal and neonatal 25-OHD levels in the TTN group were significantly lower compared to the control group (P=0.0001). A negative correlation was observed between neonatal 25-OHD level and average hospital stay (P=0.0001). CONCLUSION: We observed that lower maternal and neonatal vitamin 25-OHD levels were associated with TTN development in full term infants.

Neonatal high-permeability pulmonary edema based on serial cytokine profiles and KL-6 in serum: case report.

A newborn male with pulmonary edema was delivered at term by elective Caesarian section.　Cytokine profiles of 17 cytokines and KL-6 in cord blood and serial serum values were investigated. The cord blood values of all 17 cytokines and KL-6 were within normal limits.　Subsequently, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17, and IFNγ rapidly elevated during the first several hours after birth and dramatically decreased thereafter, whereas KL-6 rose to 611 U/ml on the 3rd day of life and then gradually decreased.　These cytokines may induce pulmonary permeability, and KL-6 secreted in lining fluid could result in influx into the bloodstream.　This is the first report that we have differentiated neonatal pulmonary edema from TTN by the measurement of serial cytokine profiles and KL-6 in serum.

Increased asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in severe transient tachypnea of the newborn.

OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by NO synthase (NOS), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NOS. We aimed to investigate l-arginine and ADMA levels in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and their relationship with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and disease severity. STUDY DESIGN: Infants born at ⩾35 weeks gestational age with clinical signs and chest X-ray findings consistent with TTN were enrolled; controls were recruited at the same time. l-arginine and ADMA levels were measured at 12 to 24 h (first samples) and at 48 to 72 h (second samples). Systolic PAP was evaluated on the second day. Patients were divided according to the duration of tachypnea and designated as group A (duration ⩽72 h) and group B (duration >72 h). RESULTS: In the first samples, the ADMA levels were significantly higher in patients with TTN compared with controls (P<0.001). In the second samples, the ADMA levels were significantly higher in group B compared with that in group A (P=0.019). In group A patients, the second ADMA levels were significantly lower compared with that in the first samples (P<0.001), whereas the second ADMA levels remained unchanged compared with the first samples in group B. Systolic PAP values were significantly higher in group B compared with that in group A patients (P=0.033). CONCLUSION: Increased ADMA concentration may reduce NO synthesis, leading to increased PAP and thus longer duration of tachypnea.

Relationship between the cortisol levels in umbilical cord blood and neonatal RDS/TTN in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: Twin neonates have a higher risk of respiratory complications, such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), than singleton neonates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the cortisol levels in the umbilical cord and neonatal RDS/TTN in twin pregnancies. METHODS: We analyzed data obtained from 106 neonates (53 twin pairs), comprising 33 dichorionic twin (DCT) and 20 monochorionic twin (MCT) gestations. All infants were delivered via scheduled cesarean section without labor. We measured the cortisol levels in umbilical vein blood using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The cortisol levels in the umbilical vein were significantly lower in the RDS/TTN group than in the no RDS/TTN group (p = 0.004). The umbilical cortisol levels in the TTN group were between the values observed in the RDS group and no RDS/TTN group. We subsequently analyzed the cut-off cortisol values for RDS/TTN and observed higher accuracy in the DCTs than in the MCTs. CONCLUSIONS: Neonates who develop RDS/TTN have significantly lower cortisol levels in the umbilical cord at birth than no RDS/TTN neonates in twin pregnancies. When applying these data in clinical practice, physicians should pay attention to differences based on chorionicity.

Effect of Ventilation Support on Oxidative Stress and Ischemia-Modified Albumin in Neonates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mechanical ventilation (MV) can induce oxidative stress, which plays a critical role in pulmonary injury in intubated neonates. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA)-a variant of human serum albumin-is a novel biomarker of myocardial ischemia that occurs due to reactive oxygen species during ischemic insult. This study aimed to investigate IMA production due to oxidative stress induced during MV in neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 17 neonates that were ventilated using synchronized intermittent mechanical ventilation (SIMV; SIMV group) and 20 neonates ventilated using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; CPAP group). Blood samples were collected from each neonate during ventilation support and following cessation of ventilation support. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured using the Erel method. IMA was measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Cusabio Biotech Co., Ltd., Wuhan, China). The oxidant stress index (OSI) was calculated as OSI = TOS/TAC. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.18.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) for Windows. RESULTS: Among the neonates included in the study, mean gestational age was 34.7 ± 3.8 weeks, mean birth weight was 2,553 ± 904 g, and 54% were premature. There were not any significant differences in mean gestational age or birth weight between the SIMV and CPAP groups. Among the neonates in both the groups, mean IMA, TOS, and OSI levels were significantly higher during ventilation support (102.2 ± 9.3 IU mL(-1), 15.5 ± 1.3 µmol H2O2 equivalent L(-1), and 0.85 ± 0.22 arbitrary units [ABU], respectively), as compared with following cessation of ventilation support (82.9 ± 11.9 IU mL(-1), 13.4 ± 1.3 µmol H2O2 equivalent L(-1), and 0.64 ± 0.14 ABU, respectively) (p = 0.001). Among all the neonates in the study, mean TAC was significantly lower during ventilation support than the postventilation support (1.82 ± 0.28 mmol 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid [Trolox] equivalent L(-1) vs. 2.16 ± 0.31 mmol Trolox equivalent L(-1)) (p = 0.001). There were no significant differences in mean TAC, OSI, or IMA levels between the SIMV and CPAP groups. The mean TOS level during ventilation support and the mean difference in TOS between during and postventilation support was significantly greater in the CPAP group than in the SIMV group. There were no significant relationships between the mean TOS, TAC, OSI, or IMA levels, and gestational age of the neonates. CONCLUSION: SIMV and CPAP activated the oxidative stress and increased the IMA level in neonates; therefore, measurement of IMA and oxidant markers may be useful in the follow-up of lung injury in neonates due to ventilation support. Additional prospective studies are needed to compare the effects of various ventilation methods on oxidative stress and the IMA level in neonates.

Impact of warning bleeding on the cortisol level in the fetus and neonatal RDS/TTN in cases of placenta previa.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the levels of hormones in umbilical vein blood that affect the neonatal respiratory function in cases of placenta previa and to evaluate the impact of warning bleeding on the hormone levels and neonatal respiratory outcomes such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). METHODS: We analyzed data obtained from 33 placenta previa cases without fetal or maternal complications at 36-38 weeks of gestation. We measured the levels of hormones such as cortisol, arginine vasopressin, epinephrine and norepinephrine in umbilical vein blood using ELISA. RESULTS: Warning bleeding was found to be a significant factor protecting against neonatal RDS/TTN (p = 0.049). The cortisol levels in the umbilical vein were significantly higher in the cases of previa with warning bleeding than in those without warning bleeding (p = 0.020) and significantly higher in the no RDS/TTN cases than in the RDS/TTN cases (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: Warning bleeding increases the cortisol level in cases of placenta previa. We suggest that genital bleeding may induce stress for both the mother and fetus, resulting in increased cortisol production, thus functioning as a protective factor against neonatal respiratory disorders.

Levels of ischemia-modified albumin in transient tachypnea of the newborn.

AIM: The aim of the article is to evaluate ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels in infants with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and to find out its relation to the disease severity. Patients and METHODS: Infants with > 37 weeks of gestation, without any respiratory and cardiac symptoms and without any maternal health problems, and diagnosed as TTN were allocated as the study group. Patients with obvious retractions, grunting, hypercarbia (Pco 2 > 60 mm Hg) or hypoxia (oxygen saturation < 88% with Fio 2 of 0.60) were managed with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). During the postnatal 0 to 24 hours, blood samples were collected in 2 mL for IMA. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients were diagnosed TTN, and allocated as the study group. Of the 47 patients, 43 patients without respiratory symptoms were enrolled as the control group. IMA levels in TTN were found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05). In addition, IMA levels were significantly increased in the nasal CPAP group versus supplemental oxygen therapy groups (p < 0.05). IMA levels were determined to be significantly higher in the > 3 days of oxygen therapy group (p < 0.05). IMA levels with a cutoff point of 0.87 ABSU, sensitivity of 81.1% and specificity of 69.8% predicted TTN (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.85; p < 0.05). IMA levels with > 0.98 ABSU, 78% sensitivity, and 86% specificity indicated the prediction of CPAP requirement (AUC = 0.86; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IMA levels were significantly higher in infants with diagnosed TTN. Therefore, IMA may be used as a new marker for predicting TTN and disease severity.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and TTN.

AIM: To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). METHODS: Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathormone (PTH) and serum 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in 51 infants diagnosed with TTN and 59 healthy control infants for comparison. Demographic factors including gestational age, birth weight, gender, delivery mode, parity, vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and severity of TTN were recorded. RESULTS: The serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower in infants with TTN compared to infants with no respiratory distress (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in serum Ca, P and ALP levels between the groups while the serum levels of PTH were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.01). No correlation was found between the serum 25(OH)D3 levels and severity of TTN. Vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) during pregnancy did not affect the serum levels of newborns. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that lower 25(OH)D3 serum levels are associated with an increased risk of TTN and vitamin D may have a role in the pathogenesis of TTN.

Role of digoxin-like immunoreactive substance in the pathogenesis of transient tachypnea of newborn.

BACKGROUND: Transient tachypnea of newborn (TTN) is usually observed in term or near-term infants. It constitutes an important part of the respiratory distress cases observed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). AIM: This paper examines the effects of digoxin-like immunoreactive substance (DLIS) on fluid and ion balance, hemodynamic and echocardiographic parameters of neonates with TTN. METHODS: Plasma DLIS, Na(+), K(+), urea, creatinine, serum and urine osmolarity, urine FeNa(+), 24-hour urine output, echocardiographic investigation and mean blood pressure, and clinical parameters of disease severity were recorded in TTN group and compared with control on the 1st and 7th days of their lives. RESULTS: Plasma DLIS levels were statistically higher in TTN group (0.66 ± 0.37 ng/mL) compared to control group (0.24 ± 0.20 ng/mL) both on the 1st day (P < 0.01) and the 7th day (P < 0.05). For TTN group, significant correlation was found between plasma DLIS levels and maximum respiratory rate, duration of tachypnea, and length of hospitalization on the 1st day. Plasma DLIS levels were correlated negatively with serum osmolarity levels. Plasma DLIS levels were positively correlated with urine output, urinary FeNa(+) levels, cardiac output, left ventricles end diastolic diameters, and right ventricles end diastolic diameters. CONCLUSIONS: Increased DLIS levels were correlated with disease severity in cases with TTN. This increase may be a primary or secondary event in the disease progress. It may help reduce the fluid overload due to already disturbed cardiac functions in patients by increasing urine output and natriuresis; however it may also contribute to disease pathogenesis, by inhibiting alveolar Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase which further decreases fetal alveolar fluid resorption.

The role of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), also known as wet lung disease, is a common cause of respiratory distress in the newborn. It has been demonstrated that, in alveolar type II cell cultures of the rat, receptors affected by the natriuretic peptides are expressed and that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) reduced amiloride-sensitive Na+ transport in these cells with a pattern similar to that in renal tubules, thereby inhibiting Na+ re-absorption in a concentration-dependent manner. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is known to act on these receptors and it is suggested that it may be involved in fluid absorption by the lungs. The present study aimed to investigate the role of BNP in the pathogenesis of transient tachypnea of the newborn. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: Serum NT-proBNP (N-terminal-proBNP) level measurements of 43 infants diagnosed with transient tachypnea of the newborn were compared to those of 29 healthy neonates. There were no statistically significant differences in NT-proBNP level between the study group and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: NT-proBNP has no role in the pathophysiology of transient tachypnea of the newborn. Other factors which may potentially be involved in this etiology should be investigated.

Lactate and lactate dehydrogenase in predicting the severity of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

OBJECTIVE: Low Apgar score is strongly associated with the incidence of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and other respiratory diseases of the newborn. We aimed to investigate the relationship between hypoxia determinants and the prolonged oxygen and respiratory support requirement even if the Apgar scores were normal. METHODS: Retrospective case-controlled study. Infants born after 35 weeks of gestational age with clinical signs, chest X-ray findings and clinical course consistent with TTN were included. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to assess the predictive values of determinants in predicting the risk for prolonged oxygen requirement and mechanical ventilatory support. RESULTS: We showed a positive correlation between the duration of oxygen with lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. LDH offered the best predictive value for prolonged oxygen requirement with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 88.9%. The predictive value of lactate exceeds the predictive value of LDH, aspartate aminotransferase, and percentage of normoblasts to predict the requirement of respiratory support with a PPV of 88.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Lactate and LDH might be useful for clinicians at first level hospitals for decision making to refer the TTN patient to the secondary or tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit before the clinical situation is worsened.

The association between cord hormones and transient tachypnea of newborn in late preterm and term neonates who were delivered by cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: Failure of adequate and timely clearance of fetal lung fluid has been implicated in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). There has been lack of human data on the association between endocrinological adaptation and fetal lung fluid clearance. Although TTN development in term or late preterm newborns delivered by cesarean section (CS) is well known, whether stress hormones levels at birth contribute to it or not is not known. The aim of the study was to assess the possible association between low adrenocorticothrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and free triiodothyronin (fT3) levels at birth and TTN in late preterm and term infants. STUDY DESIGN: We compared cord blood concentrations of epinephrine, cortisol, ACTH, fT4, fT3 and thyroid stimulating hormone in two groups of term and late pretrem infants born by CS: those who developed TTN and a comparison group without respiratory distress. RESULTS: While there were no significant demographic differences between patient and control groups, cord ACTH, cortisol and fT3 were significantly lower and epinephrine was higher in infants developing TTN (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower cord levels of cortisol, ACTH and fT3 in patients with TTN may indicate the possible relation of these hormones in fetal lung fluid clearance and postnatal pulmonary adaptation through their modulatory effect on epithelial sodium channel and Na-K-ATPase.