Background: Numerous studies have shown that severity of respiratory distress syndrome may affect the endogenous cortisol secretion in preterm infants.
Objective: Is to evaluate the levels of serum cortisol in the 1^st and 3^rd days of life in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.
Patients and methods: This study was carried out in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Benha University Hospital during the period from 2019 till 2020. The study included 45 preterm neonates (23 females and 22 males). The neonates included in the study were divided into three groups: Group I: Preterm neonates without RDS as control (n =15). Group II: Preterm neonates with mild to moderate respiratory distress syndrome, were on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (n =15). Group III: Preterm neonates with severe respiratory distress syndrome, were mechanically ventilated (n=15).
Results: In cases received antenatal steroids there was no significant difference between 1^st and 3^rd day's serum cortisol levels.In cases didn't receive antenatal steroids there was highly significant difference between 1^st and 3^rd day's serum cortisol levels.There was significant difference between 1^st day serum cortisol levels and highly significant difference between 3^rd day serum cortisol levels regarding antenatal steroids.
Conclusion: Preterm infants respond to the stress at delivery and cortisol production continues in infants with RDS than those without RDS; may be in order to cope with poor pulmonary function and to enhance lung maturity. Antenatal steroids have effective role in decreasing incidence and severity of RDS.