Serum Vitamin A Levels as a Novel Predictor for Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates: Is It Beneficial?

Background: Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a dangerous disease in neonates and is accompanied by neonatal complications and death. Objective: The aim of this study was the early determination of neonatal serum vitamin A levels as a possible novel predictor for neonatal RDS. Patients and Methods: A case-control study with the identification number TCTR20210206001, was performed on 100 neonates who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Tanta University Hospital (TUH) suffering from RDS (patient group) and 100 healthy neonates (control group). Estimation of serum vitamin A (retinol) was made for all neonates of this study within the first four hours after birth before any nutrition or therapies. Results: The results showed no significant difference between serums retinol (RT) levels in grade 1 & 2 RDS neonates (patient group) and the serum RT levels in the control group, while there was a significant difference between serums retinol levels in grade 3 & 4 RDS neonates (patient group) and the serum retinol levels in the control group where the P-value was 0.006 and 0.002 respectively. Conclusion: Serum vitamin A levels in neonates were found to be decreased in RDS neonates and could be used as a predictor for the development and severity of RDS. Recommendation: It is recommended to carry out routine estimation of serum vitamin A levels in neonates as a novel predictor for neonatal RDS.