Plasma antitrypsin levels in early respiratory distress syndrome

Özet

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AT) is the most aboundant proteinase inhibitor in human plasma. This inhibitor is important in protecting tissue from damage inflicted by proteinases, particularly neutrophil elastase. We speculated that reduced AT levels in preterm infants may contribute'to the development, subsequent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Plasma AT levels were studied by kinetic turbidimetry in 34 preterm infanta;with or without RDS within 6 hours after birth. Nineteen infants served as control group and 15 infants developed RDS. Thimean plasma AT level were found to be similar in both groups (p>0.05 by Mann-Whitney U test). Our results indicate that AT has no role in the pathogenesis of neonatal RDS.