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Abstract
Endothelin-1 is involved in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress in
neonates. So, the plasma level of Endothelin-1 was measured in preterm
infants with respiratory distress syndrome. It was also measured in neonates
with meconium aspiration syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn.
In addition plasma ET-1 was also assayed in 15 normal preterm and 15
normal fullterm infants as a control group.
ET-1 plasma levels were assayed on the second day of life using
enzyme immmmunoassay technique.
Plasma ET-1 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with
RDS group than other groups. There was no significant statistical difference
between males and females included in the study as regards plasma level of
ET-1. Also, there was no significant correlation between infants delivered by
normal vaginal delivery and those delivered by caesarean section as regards
mean plasma level of ET-1.
The present study found that ET-1 levels in the infants who died from
respiratory distress were significantly higher than the survivors.
A negative correlation between plasma ET-1 levels and each of birth
weight, gestational age, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes was noted. Also
there was moderate positive correlation between plasma ET-1 levels and FiO2
(and hence respiratory distress severity) required in cases that needed
ventilatory support either nasal CPAP, or SIMV.
Also there was weak negative correlation between plasma ET-1 levels
and PH, PO2, HCO3, BE and O2 saturation. A weak positive correlation
between plasma ET-1 levels and PCO2 was observed. There was weak
positive correlation between plasma ET-1 levels and Downes’ score.
Our study concluded that plasma level of endothelin-1 can be used in
differentiating cases of RDS from other common causes of respiratory distress
in neonates.
Higher plasma ET-1 levels are indicative of the severity of neonatal
respiratory distress in the early course of the disease and can be used as a
predictor of poor outcome
Key words: Endothelin-1 – Respiratory Distress - Neonates.