Evaluation of Serum Liver Enzyme Pattern in Birth Asphyxia

This hospital based case control study was conducted in Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Mangolpuri, New Delhi, (India). A total of 156 neonates divided into two groups of 78 each as group 1 (neonates with BA) and group 2 (neonates without BA) were evaluated for liver enzymes and hypoxic hepatitis injury. Parents were interviewed and demographic information including age, sex were obtained. Birth history including mode of delivery, Apgar score at five minutes, antenatal risk factors, bacterial sepsis, congenital anomalies, history of viral hepatitis in mother were evaluated. Further, these neonates were examined for vital parameters and complete systemic evaluation was done.In group 1, serum ALT, AST, LDH, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, albumin, bilirubin (total and conjugated) were measured at enrolment (<24 hours) and the same were repeated at 24-72 hours, and at 6-12 days of life. Number of study samples obtained in an individual baby was decided by the age of the baby at hospitalization. In control babies (admitted in NICU only for hyperbilirubinemia with no other signs and symptoms) venous sample was collected at 1-6 days of life for similar parameters.