The Investigation of Effects of Blood Exchange Transfusion on Selenium in Newborn Infants by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Method

Abstract

Objective: The evidence for the effects of blood exchange transfusion on selenium (Se) in newborn infants is unknown. This study was conducted to determine the possible effects of blood exchange transfusion on Se by comparing the Se blood concentrations before and after exchange transfusion in jaundiced neonates. Methods: A total of 30 jaundiced term neonates who underwent blood exchange transfusion (EXT) for first time because of idiopathic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, were recruited. The Se level of 30 blood bank donors’ samples used for EXT were measured and 30 pairs of uncontaminated umbilical cord blood samples were investigated for Se before and after exchange transfusion. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation analysis method. Serum bilirubin concentrations were measured by venous blood samples before EXT. Findings: The average of Se concentration before EXT was higher than that after EXT (629.78±283.82 SD ppb versus 454.83±213.75 SD ppb) (P