Comparison of total antioxidant capacity in term small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns

Background: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is a measure of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases of newborns. The objective of this study was to estimate total antioxidant capacity in term small for gestational age (SGA) newborns and compare it with term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns. The study was done at a tertiary level teaching hospital. Materials & Methods: 82 newborns (Term AGA 46 and Term SGA 36) were enrolled. Cord blood was taken and TAC of serum was determined by TAC assay kit (from Labor Diagnostika, Germany) Result: There was no significant difference in the total antioxidant capacity of the term AGA and SGA groups. There was significant difference in the mean birth weight of the AGA and SGA groups. Also, the ponderal index was significantly different. Conclusion: Weight for gestational age in term newborns do not significantly affect total antioxidant capacity.