Oxidative stress and antioxidant ability in premature newborns having perinatal hypoxia during delivery and on the 7th day of life

Estimation results of oxidative stress and antioxidants levels in blood plasma in premature newborns during delivery and on the 7-th day of life are presented in the article. Heparinized blood samples of 49 premature newborns and of 30 controls were obtained from the umbilical vein immediately after delivery and from a peripheral vein on postnatal 7-th day. Thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances levels were significantly higher but antioxidant capacity significantly lower in cord and the 7-th day blood samples of premature newborns compared to controls. Statistically significant correlations were observed between gestational age premature newborns concerning thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances levels and antioxidant capacity plasma levels on the 7-th day.