Omega-3 Supplementation and its Effect on Lipid Profile in Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Neonates

Abstract
Background: IUGR is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. It is noted to affect approximately 5-15% of pregnant women. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health, but the body can't make them. They play a crucial role in brain function, as well as normal growth and development.
Aim of Study: Was to investigate the serum lipid profile level in full term neonates with IUGR and the effect of Omega-3 supplementation on its level.
Subjects and Methods: This prospective clinical trial was carried out at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Tanta University Hospital, over one year between April (2015) to May (2016). It was conducted on 50 full term IUGR neonates. Twenty five of them received Omega 3 supplementation as study group compared to 25 full term IUGR neonates without any supplementation enrolled as a control group. They were subjected to full history taking & thorough clinical examina-tion, and they were investigated for estimation of complete blood picture, C-reactive protein, serum Urea and Creatinine, serum electrolytes (Na+, K+, Ca+2) and Specific Laboratory investigations: (Total Serum Cholesterol, Serum Triglycerides, HDL-Cholesterol, LDL-Cholesterol and VLDL-Cholesterol).
Results: There was significant increase in level of LDL in cases and control groups. There was significant decrease of LDL after 1 week in cases group more than control group. As regard rate of decrement of high levels of LDL there was significant decrement rate after 2 weeks of supplementation with Omega 3 by 55.84% in cases group which was more than the decrement in control group which was 31.34%. Also, there was an increase in level of TC initially in IUGR neonates and this level was decreased after supplementation of Omega 3 for 2 weeks. There was a decrease in level of HDL initially in IUGR neonates and this level was significantly increased after supplementation of Omega 3 for 2 weeks. There was an increase in level of TG initially in IUGR neonates and this level was decreased after supplementation of Omega 3 for 2 weeks. There was an increase in level of VLDL initially in IUGR neonates and this level was significantly decreased after supplementation of Omega 3 for 2 weeks.
Conclusion: Screening for lipid profile is important to be done in all IUGR neonates at birth and during follow-up. Long term follow-up is recommended for all IUGR neonates for detection of CVD and the effect of Omega 3 on these groups.