Selenium Status in SGA Newborns

Introduction: Adaptive physiological changes during pregnancy lead to an increase of pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity. Oxidative stress that occurs when antioxidant mechanisms are overcome and exerts a negative effect on fetal growth and development. Seleno-compounds such as glutathione-peroxidase and thioredoxin-reductase, are endogenous antioxidants that play a key role in defence against oxidative stress.

Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to identify a correlation between the serum and urinary selenium levels and the neonatal mechanisms of response to intrauterine hypoxia and subsequent oxidative stress.

Materials and Methods: A prospective case-control study was conducted over a 3 month period (1^st of January – 31^st of March 2017 ), at the Clinic of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Neonatology of the Emergency County Hospital Timisoara. The study group consisting of 32 SGA neonates was matched 1:1 for gestational age with AGA newborns, representing the control group. After obtaining the written consent from the caregivers, venous blood samples of 2 mL were collected at birth from the umbilical cord and 5 mL of urine were collected using sterile urine collecting bags in all neonates included in the study. The selenium concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Results and Discussions: Mean serum selenium concentrations were lower in SGA neonates compared to the control group ( 29.44 μg/L versus 43.26 μg/L). Neonates from the study group also had significantly lower levels of urinary selenium compared to controls ( 18.88 μg/L and 29.15 μg/L respectively).

Conclusions: Selenium concentration in both serum and urine is decreased in SGA infants and depends on intrauterine exposure to hypoxia and subsequent oxidative stress.