Lower erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the first week of neonatal life.

BACKGROUND

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major pulmonary complication in premature infants and is considered a free radical disorder. Erythrocyte catalase (CAT) and cellular glutathione peroxidase (c-GPx) are antioxidant enzymes that detoxify peroxides generated from dismutation of superoxide anion. The study goal was to measure enzyme activity for preterm infants during the first week of life.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from umbilical arterial lines or the radial artery of 44 preterm infants (gestational age range: 25-30 weeks) on days 0, 2, and 5 after delivery. Erythrocyte CAT and c-GPx activities were evaluated, while clinical data were obtained and the correlations of enzyme activity and BPD status were examined.

RESULTS

There was no correlation between enzyme activity and gestational age or birth weight. Packed red cell transfusion did not affect enzyme activity and there was no difference in CAT activity between the patient groups. C-GPx activity from preterm infants with BPD was significantly lower than those of preterm infants without BPD on day 5.

CONCLUSIONS

Erythrocyte c-GPx may play an important role in the development of BPD. Lower c-GPx activity in early post-natal life might be a risk factor of BPD.