Hypothermia attenuates the severity of oxidative stress development in asphyxiated newborns

Purpose: This retrospective case-control study aimed to examine the development of oxidative stress in asphyxiated infants delivered at more than 37 weeks of gestation. Material and Methods: Thirty-seven neonates were stratified into 3 groups: the first group experienced hypothermia (n = 6); the second received hypothermia cooling cup treatment for 3 days, normothermia (n = 16); and the third was the control group (n = 15). Serum total hydroperoxide (TH), biological antioxidant potential, and oxidative stress index (OSI) (calculated as TH/biological antioxidant potential) were measured within 3 hours after birth. Results: Serum TH and OSI levels gradually increased after birth in hypothermia and normothermia cases. At all time points, serum TH and OSI levels were higher in hypothermia and normothermia cases than in control cases. Serum TH and OSI levels were higher in normothermia cases than in hypothermia cases at days 3, 5, and 7. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that hypothermia attenuated the development of systemic oxidative stress in asphyxiated newborns. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.