Abstract

Finding metabolic markers connected to healthy and disease states using urine metabolomics is gaining popularity. The study comprised 31 late preterm (LP) neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and 23 healthy LPs who were age-matched and admitted to the maternity ward of a tertiary hospital. On the first and third days of the neonates’ lives, urine metabolomic analysis using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was conducted. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were used to examine the data. The NICU-admitted LPs were found to have a distinct metabolic pattern of increased metabolites on their first day of life. When LPs with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) presented, their metabolic profiles were distinctive. The inconsistencies most likely reflect abnormalities in the gut microbiota, which may be brought on by dietary changes or medical procedures like the administration of antibiotics and other drugs. For seriously unwell LP neonates or those who are at a high risk for negative outcomes later in life, including metabolic concerns, altered metabolites may be used as biomarkers. The identification of novel biomarkers may provide a personalized strategy by revealing prospective drug discovery targets and the best window of opportunity for intervention.