Evaluation of Neonatal Factors on 17 Alpha Hydroxyprogesterone Level in Neonates- An Experience in Tertiary Care Setting

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of various neonatal factors on the serum 17 alpha hydroxyprogesterone (17α-OHP) levels in neonates.
Study Design: An observational analytical study.
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Chemical Pathology of Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan from 29th January 2026 to 30thJune 2026.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 132 study participants that included healthy neonates as controls and sick neonates as cases. The sample size was calculated using the WHO sample size calculator. Non-probability consecutive sampling techniques were employed. Clinical data of all neonates were collected using a structured data sheet and their serum 17 alpha hydroxyprogesterone levels were measured using a chemiluminescence-based auto analyzer (Maglumi X3, Snibe Diagnostics, China). Statistical analysis was performed on IBM SPSS Software version 26, with the Mann–Whitney U test applied for comparison of continuous variables to determine statistical significance.
Results: A total of 132 neonates were included in the study, of which 92 (69.7%) were full-term and 40 (30.3%) were preterm. Among them, 44 (33.3%) were sick and 88 (66.7%) were healthy. 17α-OHP levels were significantly higher in preterm compared to term neonates (p < 0.05), in sick compared to healthy (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The present study supports existing evidence that several neonatal factors are associated with elevated 17α-OHP levels. Therefore, these neonatal factors should be taken into account when interpreting 17α-OHP levels in the neonates.