Background: Data on Protein Z (PZ) level may be useful in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as in RDS the defect in both coagulation and fibrinolytic system may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease.
Aim: To evaluate plasma protein Z levels in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Methods: This study was performed on 40`neonates diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome and 40 age and sex matched apparently healthy neonates as controls. Plasma Protein Z levels were assessed in plasma of all neonates by ELISA.
Results: There was statistically significant decrease in Plasma Protein Z level among patients than controls. In addition, a significant decrease in PZ was present with increasing the severity of the disease. There was a significant decrease in PZ among died than survived patients. A significant positive correlation was observed between PZ level and gestational age while a significant negative correlation was observed between PZ and (severity, down score).
Conclusion: Plasma Protein Z. level is decreased in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and it may be a good biomarker for detection of the severity and prognosis of the disease.