Evaluation of serum cholesterol and triglycerides level in normal and low birth weight neonates

Abstract

Normal birth weight neonates are those who delivered with a birth weight of 2500 g up to 2600 g, while the low birth weight neonates are those who delivered with a birth weight of less than 2500 g.

The Aim of this study is to evaluate the serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in apparently healthy normal birth weight neonates and low birth weight neonates. In a cases control study conducted in Iraq, the serum levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were tested during the period from the first of March 2006 to the last of July 2009. The study had been done on 200 neonates; they were divided into 2 groups, and these includes 100 apparently healthy normal birth weight mature neonates (NBW) and 100 apparently healthy low birth weight premature neonates (LBW). Each group was assessed for both physical characteristics and send for serum cholestrol and triglyceride level. The results revealed that: The mean serum cholesterol level in LBW (1.78 mmol/L) was significantly lower than that in NBW neonates (2.2 mmol/L). The mean serum triglyceride level in LBW (0.52 g/L) was significantly lower than that in NBW neonates (0.62 g/L).

Conclusion: Serum  cholesterol and triglycerides are significantly decreased in LBW neonates compared   to the apparently healthy NBW neonates.