MEASUREMENT OF CARNITINE IN PRETERM NEONATES SUFFERING RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME AND THE EFFECT OF ITS SUPPLEMENTATION

Abstract

Abstract Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is among the most common diseases of preterm infants. RDS is caused by a decreased production or secretion of pulmonary surfactant. Numerous causes of RDS have been identified, and the factors suspected to be involved in the pathogenesis of RDS are numerous. Carnitine is essential for the fetus and is provided via placental transport. As the gestational age increases, fetal tissues store increasing amounts of carnitine, therefore, preterm infants require exogenous carnitine supplementation for carnitine homeostasis. Treatment with carnitine has shown benefit in the respiratory status of ventilator-dependent adults, as well as stabilization of respiratory parameters and increased physical performance in adult patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. Aim of the work: The present study was designed to measure the level of free carnitine in preterm neonates with RDS and to evaluate the efficacy of L~ camitine therapy on those neonates.