Relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme gene polymorphism and respiratory distress syndrome in premature neonates.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene polymorphism (D/D and I/D genotypes) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm neonates.

Study Design: Our study included 120 preterm neonates (<37 weeks of gestation) with RDS (the patient group) and 120 preterm neonates without RDS (the control group). Blood samples were obtained from patients and control groups, and ACE gene polymorphism was analysed using the polymerase chain reaction method.

Results: D/D genotype was highly significant in the patient group compared with the control group (48.3% of RDS group vs 20% of the control group, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, I/D and I/I genotypes were significantly higher in the control group (75% and 5% of the control group vs 50% and 1.7% of the patient group, P < 0.001). D/D genotype was highly significant in neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) compared with I/D genotype (P = 0.001).

Conclusion: Our results may suggest that D/D genotype is associated with increased risk of RDS and BPD development in preterm neonates.