Our thesis proposed that IL-1β may affect brainstem respiratory control via prostaglandin-dependant mechanism so we investigated the mediator roles of IL-1β and PGE2 levels in predicting apnea in pretertm newborn and their relation to clinical outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Preterm infants born at less than 37 weeks of gestation.
• Neonates aged from birth up to 28 days.
• Neonates diagnosed with apnea of prematurity or exhibiting apneic episodes

Exclusion Criteria:

• Full-term neonates.
• Neonates with major congenital malformations or genetic syndromes.
• Neonates with severe neurological impairments (e.g., intraventricular hemorrhage grade III or IV).
• Neonates with confirmed or suspected sepsis or active infections.
• Neonates receiving steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or other medications known to alter interleukin-1β or prostaglandin E2 levels.
• Neonates with congenital heart diseases.
• Neonates with a history of significant birth asphyxia requiring extensive resuscitation.
• Neonates whose parents or guardians refuse to provide informed consent.

This study included 100 preterm neonates who were recruited from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric Department of Benha University Hospital, during the period from May 2023 till October 2023. They were eligible for the study and their parents agreed to participate in the study.