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Effect of dexamethasone therapy on serum vitamin E concentrations in premature infants with bronchopulmonary

Sanjiv B Amin1, Nirupama Laroia, Robert A Sinkin

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital at Strong University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|October 21, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Dexamethasone therapy significantly increases serum vitamin E levels in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This rise in vitamin E is linked to increased triglycerides and occurs regardless of vitamin E intake.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease affecting premature infants.
  • Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid used to treat BPD, but its metabolic effects are not fully understood.
  • Vitamin E is a crucial antioxidant with potential roles in lung health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of dexamethasone therapy on serum vitamin E concentrations in premature infants diagnosed with BPD.
  • To explore the relationship between dexamethasone, vitamin E, and lipid metabolism in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 10 premature infants (24-29 weeks gestational age) receiving dexamethasone therapy.
  • Serum vitamin E and triglyceride levels were measured at baseline and during dexamethasone treatment in 8 infants.
  • Vitamin E intake was assessed via chart review.

Main Results:

  • Serum vitamin E concentrations significantly increased during dexamethasone therapy (P=0.01).
  • Six of eight infants exhibited pharmacological levels of serum vitamin E (> or =3 mg/dl) post-treatment.
  • Increased serum vitamin E correlated significantly with increased serum triglyceride levels (Spearman's rho=0.92).
  • Vitamin E intake did not differ significantly between baseline and treatment periods.

Conclusions:

  • Dexamethasone therapy in premature infants with BPD leads to a significant elevation in serum vitamin E concentrations.
  • The observed increase in vitamin E reaches pharmacological levels and is independent of dietary vitamin E intake.
  • The findings suggest a potential interaction between dexamethasone and vitamin E metabolism, possibly linked to altered lipid profiles.
Abstract

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