Detection of serum zinc levels in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Background: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is common chronic lung disease that occurs mainly in premature neonates who suffered from respiratory distress and managed with oxygen and mechanical ventilation. Aim: The aim of this study is the detection of the serum zinc (Zn) levels in neonates with BPD. Patient and Methods: A prospective case-control study was done on 25 cases of BPD neonates incubated in the neonatal intensive care unit of Tanta University Hospital suffering (patient group) and 25 healthy neonates (who did not develop BPD) with matched gestational age and sex (control group). The study was conducted from August 2016 to February 2018. The sample of venous blood was taken from infants within the first 3 h. Serum Zn levels were determined. Results: Serum Zn levels were significantly lower in neonates who had BPD (patient group) if compared with neonates who did not developed BPD (control group). Cutoff value of the serum Zn levels in cases of BPD was 6.9 mu mol/L, the area under the curve was 0.991, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 96%, the positive predictive value was 96%, the negative predictive value was 100%, and the accuracy was 98%. Conclusion: Neonates with BPD are accompanied by decrease in serum Zn levels and it could be used as the early predictor for BPD development in neonates. Recommendation: Zn supplementation to the neonates who are susceptible to develop BPD.