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Vitamin E supplementation in premature infants reduced red blood cell destruction. This study investigated vitamin E
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Hematology
Background:
- Premature infants often experience shortened red blood cell lifespan.
- Vitamin E deficiency may contribute to this hemolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of vitamin E in combating hemolysis in premature infants.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study involving 20 premature infants.
- Ten infants received intramuscular vitamin E (125 mg/kg) from days 3-7.
- Carboxyhemoglobin levels served as an indicator of red blood cell breakdown.
Main Results:
- Treated infants showed a significant decrease in carboxyhemoglobin levels (1.08% to 0.78%).
- Control infants exhibited no significant change in carboxyhemoglobin levels (0.96%).
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E administration helps reduce, but does not fully prevent, accelerated red blood cell destruction in preterm infants.
Abstract:
A study was designed to determine if the presence of vitamin E deficiency during the first week of life played a contributory role in the shortened red cell life span observed in the premature infant. Carboxyhemoglobin values were used as an index of hemolysis. Ten infants received vitamin E administered intramuscularly in a total dose of 125 mg/kg during days 3 to 7 of life; ten infants served as controls. The mean percent carboxyhemoglobin level fell significantly from day 3 to day 8 in the treated group (1.08% to 0.78%) whereas the mean value remained unchanged at 0.96% in the control group. The administration of vitamin E appears to reduce but not eliminate the accelerated red cell destruction that characterizes the preterm infant. Pediatrics, 59:995-997, 1677, VITAMIN E, HEMOLYSIS, PREMATURE INFANT, CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN.