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Liver vitamin A reserves of very low birth weight neonates
Insights
This study establishes baseline vitamin A levels in the livers and serum of very low birth weight neonates. These reference values are crucial for understanding vitamin A status in high-risk infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Nutrition
- Vitamins and Metabolism
- Pediatric Research
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates are at risk for altered nutrient status.
- Vitamin A is essential for infant development and immune function.
- Establishing baseline vitamin A levels in VLBW infants is critical for monitoring and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine liver and serum vitamin A concentrations at birth in VLBW neonates.
- To assess serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels in this population.
- To provide reference values for future studies on vitamin A status in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of liver and serum vitamin A concentrations in VLBW neonates (birth weight < 1500 g, gestation < 32 wk) who died within 24 hours of birth.
- Measurement of serum retinol-binding protein (RBP) concentrations.
- Correlation analysis between vitamin A/RBP levels and gestational age/birth weight.
Main Results:
- Mean liver vitamin A: 30.0 ± 12.9 µg/g.
- Mean serum vitamin A: 13.0 ± 4.7 µg/dl.
- Mean serum RBP: 2.2 ± 0.8 mg/dl.
- No significant correlation found between vitamin A/RBP levels and gestational age or birth weight.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first reference values for vitamin A status at birth in VLBW neonates.
- These data are valuable for future research evaluating postnatal vitamin A interventions in high-risk infants.
- Understanding baseline vitamin A levels is essential for optimizing care for VLBW infants.
Abstract:
This study assessed the liver vitamin A concentrations at birth in a group of very low birth weight neonates (n = 25) (less than 1500 g birth weight, less than 32 wk gestation), dying within 24 h of birth, prior to possible changes in vitamin A status induced by postnatal intervention. Serum concentrations of vitamin A and retinol-binding protein were also measured in 16 of these neonates. The mean (+/- SD) liver vitamin A concentration was 30.0 +/- 12.9 micrograms/g (range 2.0-49.0 micrograms/g). The mean (+/- SD) serum vitamin A concentration was 13.0 +/- 4.7 micrograms/dl (range 6.7-22.8 micrograms/dl). The mean (+/- SD) serum retinol-binding protein concentration was 2.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dl (range 1.5-4.8 mg/dl). Liver vitamin A, serum vitamin A, and serum retinol-binding protein concentrations did not correlate significantly with gestational age or birth weight. Linear regression analysis did not show a significant correlation between liver vitamin A, and serum vitamin A or retinol-binding protein concentrations. This study provides reference values for vitamin A concentrations at birth in very low birth weight neonates, which may be helpful in future studies designed to evaluate postnatal changes in the vitamin A status of these high-risk neonates.