Effect of Umbilical Cord Blood Malaria on Nutrient Contents and Free Radical Activity in Day Old Neonates of the Niger-Delta Region of Africa

Opajobi Adefunke Olukemi¹*, Osasuyi Adesotu² and Onyesom Innocent¹

¹Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka Nigeria.

²Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka. Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: Umbilical cord blood samples from vaginally delivered day old neonates were examined at delivery. Grading was done according to the severity of plasmodium parasitaemia. Results obtained indicate significantly lower (p<0.05) plasma glucose levels although there was no significant difference at 5% probability using ANOVA in the packed cell volume of the neonates. Levels of serum total protein, albumin, gamma glutamyl transferase and superoxide dismutase inhibition were significantly higher (p<0.05) indicating increased free radical activity. All these changes were found to be parasitaemia-load dependent. Cord plasmodium parasitaemia may be an indicator of severity of nutrient depletion and increased free radical activity in the day old neonate. Prevention and intervention measures for malaria in pregnancy, therefore is a must for both mother and healthcare providers.

KEYWORDS: Umbilical Cord; plasmodium; nutrients; free radical

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