Fourty neonates divided into three groups were included in the study; 15 normal
fullterm, 14 preterm neonates and 11 infants of diabetic mothers. For each neonate, full
clinical examinations, determination of gestational age and measurement of cord blood
total serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(HDL-C), low density
lipoprotein-cholesterol LDL-C) and apolipo-protein-B (apo-B) levels were performed. It
was found that mean levels of cholesterol, IIDL-C, LDL-C and apo-B in the fullterm
group lied in the expected normal range of variation. Their mean levels in the preterm
group were significantly higher than in the fullterm group. In infants of diabetic
mothers the mean levels of serum choelsterol, LDL-C and apo B were significantly higher
than in fullterm neonates. There was sex difference in the levels of all determined lipids.
Highly signficiant positive correlations between apo-B and LDL-C levels in all groups
were found. It is concluded that preterm neonates and infants of diabetic mothers are at
increased risk of early hyperlipidemia. We may suggest the application of apo-B
quantitation as a valuable screening parameter for early detection of lipoprotein
abnormalities. |
