Background Zinc is an essential element for normal embryogenesis and embryonic and neonatal development. Therefore, we compared the birth weights of neonates born to mothers who consumed zinc supplement during pregnancy with that of neonates born to mothers who did not. Methods In a cross-sectional study, we divided 200 pregnant mothers into two groups: case group (mothers receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) and control group (mothers not receiving zinc supplement during pregnancy) Then, the neonate’s cord zinc level and mother’s serum level were measured and neonate’s growth charts (weight, height and head circumference)were completed. Results In this study, both groups of mothers were observed to have zinc deficiency; 35% of the mothers who consumed zinc supplements and 81% of the mothers who did not consume zinc supplements (P < 0.001). Based on the results, maternal serum of zinc (P < 0.001), neonatal birth weight (P = 0.008), maternal age (P < 0.001) and parity (P < 0.01) in zinc-supplemented group were higher. Neonatal birth weight was associated moderately with mother’s zinc serum levels and poorly with neonatal serum zinc levels. Conclusion Zinc consumption during pregnancy increases serum zinc level of mother and neonatal weight. Neonatal weight has a higher correlation to maternal serum zinc level.

Background: One of the most common problems in preterm neonates is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). It has been shown antioxidants may be effective in preventing development and progression of ROP. Considering the antioxidant properties of bilirubin, we decided to investigate the bilirubin level in neonates with ROP and compare it with healthy neonates. Methods: This case-control study was performed on VLBW neonates admitted to the NICU of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad between 2014-2020 years for Jaundice evaluation. Complete neonate’s characteristics, maternal history and laboratory results were collected in a questionnaire. Then the neonates were examined for ROP by a fellowship of retina of ophthalmologist at 32 weeks or four weeks after birth. The highest bilirubin levels during their hospitalization were also recorded. Results: Of 427 neonates examined, 121 (37.7%) had normal eye examination and 266 (62.3%) had ROP. The mean weight, gestational age and bilirubin were 1455.8± 431.4 gram, 31.6± 2.3 weeks and 8.8 ± 2.4 mg / dl, respectively. There was a significant difference between controls and neonates with ROP with regard to birth weight, duration of intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), duration of oxygen therapy, first and fifth minute Apgar scores, maximum level of bilirubin and gestational age(P<0.05).It was observed that maximum level of bilirubin was lower in neonates with higher stages of ROP. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, higher levels of bilirubin in neonates may be a protective factor against ROP, Moreover, increased levels of bilirubin is associated with reduced severity of ROP .Therefore, prophylaxis phototherapy in premature infants may need to be reconsidered.

Background: Jaundice can be observed in two-thirds of infants. Bilirubin prevents damage to the DNA from the oxidative stress of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Moreover, bilirubin has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic roles in addition to antioxidant properties. Objectives: We decided to compare pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in physiologic and pathologic jaundice. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 171 infants more than 35 weeks of gestational and > 2 days of postnatal age who were admitted to the Ghaem Hospital with jaundice from 2017 to 2019. Infants with bilirubin levels less or equal to 14 mg/dL on the jaundice meter were put in the physiologic jaundice group and infants with bilirubin higher than 15 mg/dL on the jaundice meter were entered into the study as the pathologic jaundice group. A questionnaire containing data regarding neonate's characteristics and the mother's medical history was filled out for each infant. Bilirubin levels, hematocrit, direct and or indirect Combs, reticulocytes, and PAB were evaluated in the case group. Results: The average age of the enrolled neonates was 7.3 ± 4.11 days and 52.4% of them were male. Between two groups of physiologic and pathologic jaundice, gestational age (P = 0.010), parity (P = 0.001) and PAB (P = 0.000) were significantly different. Overall, the amounts of the mentioned parameters in the pathologic jaundice group were less than the physiologic jaundice group. Conclusions: A pathological increase in bilirubin levels irrespective of its neurotoxic properties can change the pro-oxidantantioxidant balance in favor of antioxidants. It seems that neurotoxic mechanism of bilirubin in pathological amounts differ with its antioxidant effects.

Introduction: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the reasons of blindness in children. Numerous predisposing factors have been reported, including prematurity and oxygen therapy. We assessed the number of nucleated red blood cells in neonates with ROP and compared it with the patients that didn t suffer from the situation. Methodology: This case-control study was performed on 151 neonates with birth weight<1500 gr and/or gestational age< 32 weeks that were born in Ghaem Hospital of Mashhad from 2017 to 2020. A Cell Blood Count (CBC) sample and peripheral blood smear was taken. The Number of nucleated red blood cells or NRBC per 100 white blood cells was reported. Complete characteristics of neonates (birth weight, sex, gestational age, Apgar Score), mother's history (age, pregnancy and labor problems, kind of delivery, and pariety), and lab results were collected and recorded in the checklist. The assessment of the patients were continued until they were discharged and then they got visited by an ophthalmologist at the age of 32 weeks or four weeks after birth in terms of ROP and followed up. Control group included premature neonates without ROP. Results: Among of 151 neonates studied, 47 cases (24.9%) were normal and 104 ones (75.1%) had retinopathy of prematurity. Differences of measured factors in two groups of neonates with and without ROP were as followed: NRBC/100 (P = 0.009), absolute NRBC (P = 0.465), Apgar score of first (P = 0.131) and fifth (P = 0.002) minutes. Conclusion: Increasing umbilical cord NRBC/100 of neonates along with other available methods can be useful as a predictor factor of ROP and it can also predict the ROP intensity.