Plasma angiotensin converting enzime gene polymorphism in premature newborn with respiratory distress syndrome

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is still the cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm newborn babies despite the advancements in neonatal intensive care unit. Aim of this study is to determine the association of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism with RDSHundred premature healthy control and 101 premature baby with RDS, totally 201 babies have been included in the study. Blood samples were taken from enrolled subjects appropriately. Angiotensin converting enzyme insertion (I) and deletion (D) polymorphisms are studied from the blood samples via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method at Gaziantep University Medical Faculty Medical Biology Department LaboratoriesAngiotensin converting enzyme gene D/D polymorphism is found high in premature babies who have RDS, ACE gene I/D polymorphism is found high in premature control group (p<0.05). Gender of the babies doesn?t influence the genetic predisposition; ACE gene D/D polymorphism is found high in both males and females of patient groupAngiotensin converting enzyme gene D/D polymorphism is thought to be a risk factor in newborn premature babies for RDS development. Angiotensin converting enzyme may play a role in etiopathogenesis of the disease, but ACE gene polimorphism doesn?t influence the severity of the disease and the birth weight related with the gestational age.Keywords: Respiratory distress syndrome, Prematurity, Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polimorphism.