AO-26. Predictive power of oxidative stress markers for the early identification of newborns at high risk for free radicals related diseases

Aim Newborns, particularly if preterm, are susceptible to oxidative stress (OS) due to the high exposure to free radicals (FRs) action and the lack of the antioxidant systems. OS plays a key role in pathogenesis of pathologies such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrage (IVH), grouped as ‘free radicals-related diseases’ (FRD). This study tests the hypothesis that OS marker levels in cord blood may predict the onset of FRD. Materials and methods 322 preterm newborns of GA: 24–32 weeks (27.75 ± 1.82) and BW: 460–2370 g (1285.20 ± 440.10) were consecutively recruited. Markers of potential OS risk (non-protein bound iron, NPBI) and markers of OS-related damage (total hydroperoxides, TH; advanced oxidation protein products, AOPP) were assessed in cord blood. Associations between FRD onset and OS markers were checked through inferential analysis. Results The development of FRD was significantly associated with high cord blood levels of TH, AOPP and NPBI (respectively p = 0.000, OR = 1.014; p = 0.04, OR = 0.946; p = 0.003, OR = 1.149). Conclusions Elevated levels of TH, AOPP and NPBI in cord blood are associated with increased risk for FRD. OS markers can be considered useful tools for the early identification of infants at risk for FRs damage. These findings add to the evidence that antioxidant strategies could have beneficial effects to prevent or ameliorate perinatal outcome.