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Background There have been many studies that have investigated the risk factors of mortality in preterm infants, but none has shown an association between preterm mortality and exposure to heavy metals or trace elements. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the levels of toxic metals (lead, cadmium) and trace elements (zinc, iron, copper) in meconium samples and elucidate their association with preterm mortality. Methods Metals and trace elements were measured in the meconium of 304 preterm infants using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results The level of heavy metals and trace elements in non-surviving infants was significantly higher than in surviving infants. Moreover, the level of heavy metals and trace elements in non-surviving infants whose gestational age was

Objective: Prematurity is an important etiologic factor for perinatal mortality and morbidity. In our country, preterm births and complications of prematurity account for 26% of perinatal mortality. There are many maternal, fetal or placental, genetic and environmental eti - ologic factors that cause prematurity. There have been no studies to show an association between preterm delivery of unknown etiology and exposure to heavy metals and trace elements at toxic levels in meconium. The purpose of this study is to measure the levels of heavy metals (lead, cad - mium) and trace elements (zinc, iron, copper) in meconium samples and to understand their as - sociations with preterm delivery of unknown etiology. Material and Methods: The levels of heavy metals and trace elements in the meconiums of 810 term or preterm infants with known and un - known etiology for being preterm were measured with a flame atomic absorption spectropho - tometer. Results: Lead and cadmium were detected in all meconium samples. Heavy metal and trace element levels in meconium were significantly higher in preterms of unknown and known etiology for being preterm compared to term infants (for all p

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine, using the score for neonatal acute physiology and perinatal extension II (SNAPPE-II), whether there is an association with acute renal failure (ARF) and whether it is possible to identify newborns at risk for ARF prior to a rise in creatinine in newborns. Methods: Information on postnatal risk factors and SNAPPE-II on the first day of life (non-ARF group, n = 475; ARF group, n = 78) were collected. Renal failure was defined as serum creatinine level >1 mg/dL and >1.3 mg/dL (for 333 weeks and