Evaluation of Serum Prolactin as a Marker of Lung Maturation
Abstract: Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is an important cause of early neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially among preterm and low-birth-weight neonates. Prolactin has been suggested to support fetal lung maturation by promoting surfactant phospholipid synthesis. This study assessed maternal and cord blood prolactin levels and their relation with RDS in newborns. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sardar Patel Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Bikaner, over six months from December 2025 to May 2026. A total of 100 pregnant women were included, with 50 high-risk pregnancies and 50 normal pregnancies. Maternal venous blood and mixed umbilical cord blood were collected around delivery and analyzed for serum prolactin by fluorescence immunoassay. Neonates were assessed for birth weight, APGAR scores, RDS by Downes score, NICU admission and outcome. Results: Maternal serum prolactin was significantly lower in high-risk pregnancies than normal pregnancies (184.6 +/- 52.8 vs 236.8 +/- 61.3 ng/mL, p=0.001). Cord blood prolactin was also lower in high-risk neonates (212.4 +/- 68.5 vs 298.7 +/- 74.2 ng/mL, p=0.001). RDS was more common in high-risk pregnancies (38.0%) than normal pregnancies (10.0%, p=0.001). Neonates with low cord prolactin
Keywords: Maternal prolactin, cord blood prolactin, respiratory distress syndrome, newborn, high-risk pregnancy, NICU
How to Cite?: Dr. Toshan Bunker, Dr. Parul Prakash, Dr. Preeti Kumari, Dr. Neetu, Dr. Divya Soni, Dr. Megha Bansal, "Evaluation of Serum Prolactin as a Marker of Lung Maturation", Volume 15 Issue 11, November 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 454-458, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26930203129, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26930203129