All issues > Volume 48(2); 2005

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2005;48(2):148-153. Published online February 15, 2005.

Serum Albumin Concentrations and Clinical Disorders by Gestational Ages in Preterm Babies

Mia MA Lee¹, Soo S Youn¹, Baek Keun BK Lim¹, Jong Soo JS Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea

Correspondence Baek Keun BK Lim ,Email: limbk@wonju.yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

Purpose
: The aim of this study was to determine the reference ranges of serum albumin levels depending on the gestational ages of preterm infants. We also intended to compare the mean serum albumin levels between groups of preterm infants that did not develop clinical disorders later, and groups that did develop clinical disorders such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We also examined the significance of serum albumin as a predictor for the development of clinical disorders.
Methods
: The records of 208 neonates with gestational ages from 23 weeks to 41 weeks were reviewed retrospectively. The mean albumin concentrations with reference ranges by gestational ages were determined. Statistics for each two of group were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to model odd ratio, and 95 percent confidence interval as a mean of the association between predictors and outcome.
Results
: Serum albumin levels were at 23-24 weeks gestation was 2.36 g/dL, rising to 3.43 g/dL in full term babies. There were significant mean differences between the clinical groups and control groups for each clinical disorder such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity and apnea in premature babies of 30-36 weeks of gestation. Low serum albumin appeared to be associated with increased risks of clinical disorders.
Conclusion
: The normal serum albumin levels in preterm infants should be defined according to the gestational ages. Lower albumin levels increase the risks of the later development of clinical disorders, which are common in premature infants.

Keywords :Serum albumin , Preterm neonates , Respiratory distress syndrome , Intraventricular hemorrhage , Retinopathy of prematurity , Apnea