Interleukin 10 Level in Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Newborn

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a disease of preterm infants. Structural immaturity of the lungs and immaturity of the pulmonary surfactant metabolism, resulting in surfactant deficiency and surfactant dysfunction are known causes of RDS. Apart from these factors there is increasing evidence that activation of inflammation contributes to the progression of this disease. The study of inflammation in RDS is currently a matter of great interest as it stills a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. The aim of this work was to investigate the possible role of IL-10 in pathogenesis and prognosis of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates. This study was a case controlled study. It was conducted on eighty preterm newborns divided into two groups: case group (40 neonates suffering from respiratory distress syndrome) and control group (40 healthy neonates) admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Benha Children Hospital. They met all inclusion and exclusion criteria for enrollment into this study. All participants were subjected to history taking, general examination, laboratory investigations (complete blood count, C-reactive protein and serum level of interleukin-10) and chest X-ray. Our study showed a non-significant difference between cases and controls regarding mode of delivery, a significant difference regarding weight and a high significant difference regarding gestational age. This study showed also non-significant differences regarding risk factors of both cases and control group. Our results showed a highly significant difference between cases and control group regarding IL-10 and a high significant difference regarding IL-10 and grade of respiratory distress syndrome. This study showed also significant differences regarding IL-10 and gender, gestational and weight. So Further studies are needed to clarify the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of RDS as Studies on RDS may lead to the discovery of new strategies for management and prevention of RDS For example, future studies have to be directed at the development of anti-inflammatory drugs that do not interfere with lung development