unclear. It is suggested that, serum albumin levels in the first day after birth can predict premature births.
Aim of the work: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum albumin level and respiratory distress in preterm infants.
Patients and methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 75 patients which was carried out at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit [NICU] of Pediatric Department, Al-Azhar University Hospital at New Damietta. The Primary outcome of the study was: The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] in preterm infants and their correlation with neonatal serum albumin levels. Secondary outcomes included: Mortality: The study measured the mortality rate of infants diagnosed with RDS.
Results: According to the serum albumin level of the patients; the median and IQR was 3.6 [3.2– 3.9] gm/dl with a range of 2– 4.5 gm/dl. The normal level of albumin was reported in 58.7% of the studied patients, However the low level was reported in 41.3% of the patients. The mortality rate of the studied patients was 21.3% [Table 5]. A comparison between the normal and low albumin level as regards different study variables were done. The gestational age and the birth weight of the patients with low albumin level was significantly lower than the patients with high albumin level [P = 0.001 for both].
Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the low serum albumin level and the gestational age and also the low birth weight.