Abstract 1299

The antioxidant capacity of a group of ELBW infants was significantly lower than that of a group of term controls. Four ELBW infant (BW 919+/-239g; GA 27.2+/-2.7 wks) and 5 term infants (BW 3214+/-333g; GA 38.6+/-1.5 wks) were compared at the time of birth. Cord blood was collected, the serum separated and frozen for later examination. The sample was measured using a modified manual antioxidant assay measuring the serum's ability to block the oxidation of 2,2′-azinosbis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-suphonic acid) to a radical cation as examined by spectral analysis. Trolox, a water soluble vitamin E analogue, was used to standardize the assay, and the results were expressed in Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) units.

The TEAC capacity of the ELBW group was 0.84+/-0.08 units compared to the TEAC capacity of 1.27+/-0.11 units of the term infants (p<0.01). TEAC levels correlated significantly with birth weight (r=0.864, p<0.05) and gestational age (r=0.881, p<0.05).

The protection against free radicals generated during and after delivery can be measured in the newborn, and we conclude that depressed TEAC levels indicate the ELBW infant's inability to defend against damage caused by these species.