Selenium Level of Umbilical Cord Blood: Is it related to Respiratory Distress Syndrome?

Introduction: the aim of study was to compare umbilical cord blood selenium levels in respiratory distress syndrome (rds) and non rds preterm babies.materials and methods: umbilical cord blood selenium levels of all preterm newborn born during a 6-month period were enrolled in the study. they were divided into two groups: rds and non-rds. selenium level was assessed by using electro-thermal atomic absorption spectrometry and serum concentration of selenium was compared between the two groups.results: during the study 150 preterm babies were studied. mean umbilical cord blood selenium levels were 98.5 mg/l. among 150 preterm babies 27 (18%) had rds and 82% no rds. mean umbilical cord blood selenium level in rds and non rds groups were 96.5 and, 96.6 mg/l respectively (p=0.64). there were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to umbilical cord blood selenium levels.conclusion: in this study there was no significant relationship between selenium umbilical cord blood level and respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates