Lipid Profile of Cord Blood in Term Newborns

Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. Detection of lipid profile in umbilical cord blood of term newborns could identify neonates with a higher risk of coronary artery disease. The aim of the present study was to improve the existing information about cord blood lipid profile of Iranian term newborns. This cross-sectional study was conducted on healthy term neonates born from healthy mothers between August and October 2009 in Zanjan, Iran. Ten milliliters of cord blood was collected from the placental end of umbilical vein immediately after the cord clamping. Total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured by enzymatic GOD-PAP method with Pars Azmoon kits. High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) was measured after precipitation of Apo lipoproteins with phosphotungstic acid (PTA). Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated by Friedewald’s formula. Statistical Analysis was performed by the SPSS statistical package version 16.0 for windows. Of the 174 neonates, 97 were female. Vaginal delivery was recorded in 79.8%. There were no significant differences regarding demographic findings between male and female neonates. The mean values of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C and TG were 73.1 ± 26.5, 28.7 ± 11.1, 27.6 ± 10, and 81.4 ± 37.1mg/dL respectively, with no difference between the two sexes. We found a relatively high value of TC and TG in our study. Considering the relationship between high levels of lipids in the neonatal period and coronary artery disease in the adult population, we recommend future cohort studies for this statistical society.