Umbilical cord blood lactate dehydrogenase as a predictor of short-term outcomes in term neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20263251Keywords:
Meconium aspiration syndrome, Umbilical cord blood, Lactate dehydrogenase, Neonatal outcomes, NICU stayAbstract
Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is an important cause of respiratory problems in term newborns. Early identification of infants at risk for adverse outcomes is essential for timely intervention. Umbilical cord blood lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a marker of tissue hypoxia and cellular injury, may serve as an early prognostic biomarker in MAS.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care hospital in Mysore. One hundred term newborns with MAS born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) were enrolled. Umbilical cord blood samples collected immediately after birth were analysed for LDH levels using the UV assay method. The demographic, perinatal, and clinical data were collected. Appropriate statistical tests were performed to analyse associations between cord blood LDH levels and short‐term neonatal outcomes, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Thick MSAF was seen in 64% of the newborns, and 72% required resuscitation at birth. The most frequent presentation was moderate MAS (50%); 30% had severe disease. 11% developed persistent pulmonary hypertension, 25% developed sepsis, and overall mortality was 8%. Higher cord blood LDH levels were significantly associated with adverse short-term outcomes, such as prolonged oxygen requirement and longer NICU stay.
Conclusions: Umbilical cord blood LDH is a simple, easily available, and promising biomarker for short term outcome prediction in term newborns with MAS. Its early assessment may be beneficial in risk stratification and management in tertiary care settings.
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