Abstract 1339 Poster Session II, Sunday, 5/2 (poster 72)

Hypoxia & Birth Asphyxia leads to an increase in purine metabolites Hypoxanthine (HXN) Xantine (XN), and Uric Acid (UA). Cord blood levels of these metabolites have been used as indicators and to assess the degree of Birth Asphyxia (BA). The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of purine metabolites in term and preterm (< 37 wks GA) infants with and without BA. BA was defined by cord pH. < 7.15, BE > -9.0 mmol/L & PaO2 < 10 mmHg and Apgar Scores 0-3 at 5 minutes. Cord blood was obtained immediately after birth in 71 term and 71 preterm infants to measure, acid base, PaO2, PaCO2 and HXN, XN, UA levels. Comparisons were made between term/preterm and between asphyxiated vs. non asphyxiated in each group of infants. Table gives the (x±SD) levels in each group. Further regression analysis was made between each of metabolite with simultaneously obtained pH, BE, PO2 and PCO2 value. There were significant differences in the levels of HXN, XN and UA levels between the asphyxiated and non asphyxiated groups. Among the term infants the hypoxathines levels were significantly higher in BA than non BA. Whereas in preterm infants the xanthine levels were higher in BA than non BA. The uric acid levels were also significantly higher. Regression analysis between blood gas values and HXN, XN and UA gave interesting information. In term infants highest correlation was found between HXN and PH, PaO2 & BE. In preterm infants high correlation between blood gases and UA, XN followed by HXN. The differences found between the term and preterm may be due to maturational differences. These data give information regarding the differences between the term and preterm infants in their response to hypoxia. The differences observed between term and preterm infants may be explained on the basis maturity of biochemical system. It also underscores the need for establishing different standards of normal for term and preterm.

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