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Plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins A and E in neonates with myelomeningocele
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital, Fack, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Newborn infants with myelomeningocele showed significantly lower vitamin A levels compared to healthy infants and those with gastrointestinal issues. Other measured nutrient levels, including vitamin E, remained comparable across all groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Neonatalogy
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Myelomeningocele is a severe congenital condition affecting newborns.
- Nutritional status, particularly vitamin levels, is crucial for infant development.
- Understanding specific nutrient deficiencies in congenital conditions is vital for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare plasma levels of specific proteins and fat-soluble vitamins in newborns with myelomeningocele against control groups.
- To identify potential nutritional deficits, specifically vitamin A, in infants diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of plasma samples from three infant groups: myelomeningocele, gastrointestinal malformations, and healthy controls.
- Quantification of prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, vitamin A, and vitamin E levels.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant differences between group parameters.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in plasma levels of prealbumin, retinol-binding protein, or vitamin E across the studied groups.
- Newborn infants with myelomeningocele exhibited significantly lower plasma concentrations of vitamin A compared to both the gastrointestinal malformation group and the healthy control group.
Conclusions:
- Infants with myelomeningocele may be at risk for vitamin A deficiency.
- Further research is warranted to explore the implications of low vitamin A in myelomeningocele and to establish optimal nutritional management strategies.
Abstract:
A group of newborn infants with myelomeningocele was compared with a group of neonates suffering from gastrointestinal malformations and a group of healthy children less than one year of age. The parameters studied were prealbumin, retinol-binding protein and the fat-soluble vitamins A and E. There were no significant differences between the groups in the plasma levels of the proteins or vitamin E. Vitamin A levels in newborn infants with myelomeningocele were found to be significantly lower compared to both the other groups.