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Selenium deficiency in low birth weight neonates: an unrecognized problem.
G Lockitch1, B Jacobson, G Quigley
1Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Selenium deficiency is common in low birth weight infants, with levels significantly lower than full-term babies. This deficiency can worsen in sick neonates requiring intensive care without selenium supplementation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Low birth weight infants are a vulnerable population.
- Selenium is an essential trace element crucial for infant health.
- Understanding selenium status in neonates is vital for optimal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of selenium deficiency in low birth weight infants.
- To compare selenium levels between preterm and full-term infants.
- To investigate selenium status in sick neonates requiring prolonged intensive care.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected from healthy full-term and preterm infants.
- Selenium levels measured using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.
- Glutathione peroxidase activity assessed in plasma.
Main Results:
- Low birth weight infants showed significantly lower baseline selenium and glutathione peroxidase levels.
- Sick low birth weight neonates fed without selenium supplementation experienced marked decreases in selenium.
- Seven out of 16 sick infants had selenium levels below the assay detection limit.
Conclusions:
- Selenium deficiency is more prevalent in low birth weight infants than previously recognized.
- Prolonged parenteral nutrition without selenium supplementation can lead to severe deficiency in neonates.
- The clinical implications of selenium deficiency in neonates require further investigation.