Determinants of oxidant stress in extremely low birth weight premature infants

Philippe Chessex1, Carla Watson, Gregor W Kaczala

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3V4. pchessex@hotmail.com

Insights

Parenteral multivitamins (MVP) added to lipid emulsions (LIP) in total parenteral nutrition (TPN) reduce oxidant stress in premature neonates. This approach is more effective than adding MVP to amino acid solutions, especially during oxygen supplementation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Oxidative Stress Research

Background:

  • Premature neonates face significant oxidant stress.
  • Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) can be a source of oxidation products.
  • Lipid emulsions (LIP) with parenteral multivitamins (MVP) mitigate lipid peroxidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare oxidant stress markers in premature neonates receiving different TPN formulations.
  • To evaluate the impact of LIP+MVP versus amino acid solution (AA+MVP) on oxidant load.
  • To assess the role of photoprotection and oxygen supplementation in TPN-induced oxidant stress.

Main Methods:

  • Measured antioxidant vitamins, glutathione redox potential, isoprostane, and dityrosine.
  • Sampled blood and urine from neonates on days 7 and 10.
  • Compared infants requiring low vs. high fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2).

Main Results:

  • Oxygen supplementation increased oxidant stress with AA+MVP but not with LIP+MVP.
  • LIP+MVP demonstrated a protective effect against O2-induced oxidant stress.
  • Photoprotection offered no additional benefit; blood transfusions increased oxidant load.

Conclusions:

  • Administering MVP within the lipid component of TPN protects against oxygen-related oxidant stress in neonates.
  • Oxidized redox potential is linked to bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
  • LIP+MVP is a superior strategy for managing oxidant stress in TPN-dependent neonates.