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Increased concentration of aluminium in the brain of a parenterally fed preterm infant
N J Bishop1, M J Robinson, M Lendon
1Hope Hospital, Salford.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|September 1, 1989
Insights
Parenteral nutrition solutions given to preterm infants contain aluminum. A case study found high aluminum levels in the brain tissue of an infant who received this feeding method.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal medicine
- Toxicology
- Pediatric pathology
Background:
- Parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential for preterm infants lacking gut function.
- Current PN solutions are known to contain aluminum, a potential neurotoxin.
- The long-term effects of aluminum accumulation in vulnerable preterm infants are not fully understood.
Observation:
- A 3-month-old infant, who received parenteral feeding for 45 days, died.
- Necropsy revealed significantly elevated aluminum concentrations in the infant's brain tissue.
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of PN in preterm neonates.
Findings:
- The infant's brain exhibited a considerable increase in aluminum concentration.
- This finding suggests a link between prolonged parenteral feeding and aluminum accumulation.
- Aluminum toxicity is a concern in neonates with immature detoxification systems.
Implications:
- Further research is needed to quantify aluminum exposure and its neurological impact in preterm infants.
- Strategies to reduce aluminum contamination in parenteral nutrition are crucial.
- This case underscores the importance of monitoring trace element levels in neonatal intensive care.
Abstract:
Parenteral feeding solutions currently used for preterm infants are contaminated with aluminium. We report the case of an infant who was fed parenterally for 45 days, who died aged 3 months, and who had a considerably increased concentration of aluminium in his brain tissue at necropsy.