A study of oxidative stress in neonates delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

To estimate the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) in cord blood plasma of newborns born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and also to find out the correlation between their levels with birth weight and gestation, we measured the cord blood plasma levels of MDA and 8-OH-dG in 59 newborns born through MSAF and 50 newborns born through clear liquor. The levels of cord blood plasma MDA and 8-OH-dG were significantly higher in full-term and late-preterm newborns born through MSAF. On further comparison, it was found that both full-term and late-preterm intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates had higher levels of these markers as compared to babies born as appropriate for gestational age (AGA) through MSAF. Plasma levels of MDA and 8-OH-dG were significantly correlated with birth weight even after controlling the relationship with gestational age for all cases as well as all full-term cases. These markers are also significantly correlated to each other.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggest that the neonates born through MSAF experience higher degrees of oxidative stress, as evidenced by increased levels of cord blood plasma MDA and 8-OH-dG. What is known: • Aspirated meconium has been found to induce free radical generation and cellular damage in animal studies. • Its role in free radical generation and oxidative damage in human neonates is scarce. What is new: • Neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid experience significant oxidative stress.