Prognostic Utility of Serum Albumin in Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background and objectives: A leading cause of morbidity and mortality among preterm newborns is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), even though there have been breakthroughs in therapy such as surfactants, prenatal corticosteroids, and advanced neonatal respiratory care. The purpose of this study was to assess blood albumin levels in preterm infants with RDS and ascertain its role in detection of clinical outcome. Methods A prospective cross sectional case–control study was conducted at the NICU of Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt, from March 2023 to March 2024. Sixty preterm neonates were enrolled: 30 with RDS and 30 healthy controls matched for gestational age and birth weight. All infants underwent clinical assessment, laboratory testing, and radiological evaluation. Serum albumin levels were measured, and correlations with disease severity, mechanical ventilation, clinical outcome and mortality were analyzed. Results Serum albumin levels were significantly lower in RDS cases and negatively correlated with oxygen duration and hospital stay. Albumin < 2.55 g/dL predicted poor outcome (sensitivity 96.7%). Conclusion Serum albumin is a biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes in preterm infants with RDS.