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[Selenium in the full-term and premature newborn infant]
M L Colombo1, P Castano, D Maina
1Istituto di Puericultura, Università di Torino.
Minerva Pediatrica
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Selenium levels in term neonates were normal, but 30% lower in premature infants. Pre-term selenium status correlated with gestational age and birthweight, suggesting potential therapeutic uses for selenium in neonatal deficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pediatrics
- Nutritional Science
Context:
- Serum selenium levels were analyzed in 55 neonates, including 35 born at term and 20 born pre-term.
- Established reference ranges for selenium in term neonates were compared with current findings.
Purpose:
- To investigate serum selenium concentrations in term and pre-term neonates.
- To identify factors influencing selenium levels, such as gestational age, birthweight, sex, and maternal factors.
Summary:
- Term neonates exhibited normal serum selenium levels, consistent with existing literature, with no significant variations based on sex, birthweight, maternal age, or mode of conception.
- Pre-term neonates showed a 30% reduction in serum selenium compared to term infants.
- Selenium levels in pre-term infants were significantly correlated with gestational age and birthweight, but not with sex, maternal age, or mode of conception.
Impact:
- Highlights a potential selenium deficiency in pre-term infants.
- Suggests the need for further research into therapeutic applications of selenium for neonatal deficiency.
- Provides baseline data for understanding selenium status in diverse neonatal populations.