Predictive Value of Lactate Dehydrogenase, Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha, and Interleukin-1 Beta for Complications in Neonates With Transient Tachypnea of Neonates

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a common respiratory condition in neonates with many complications. Early identification of neonates at risk of complications is essential for timely management. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of serum biomarkers—lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)—for complications in neonates with TTN. This is a cross-section study including 88 neonates diagnosed with TTN. Serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-1β were measured at admission. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive accuracy of each biomarker. Complications occurred in 13 neonates (14.8%). Median serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly higher in neonates who developed complications compared to those who did not. ROC curve analysis revealed that LDH had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.926, with 90% sensitivity and 92% specificity at a cut-off value of 1000 U/L. TNF-α demonstrated an AUC of 0.938 (cut-off: 82.75 pg/mL), with 90% sensitivity and 85% specificity. IL-1β had an AUC of 0.878, with 80% sensitivity and 79% specificity at a cut-off of 19.4 pg/mL. Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of LDH, TNF-α, and IL-1β at admission are significantly associated with the risk of complications in neonates with TTN. These biomarkers may serve as valuable early predictors for identifying high-risk patients and guiding clinical decision-making.