Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Insights
Vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced bilirubin levels and the need for phototherapy in preterm infants, particularly those weighing 1500 gm or less. This intervention also improved antioxidant status in these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in preterm infants.
- Elevated bilirubin levels can lead to serious neurological complications.
- Oxidative stress is implicated in the development of bilirubinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of vitamin E in mitigating bilirubinemia in preterm infants.
- To assess the impact of vitamin E on antioxidant status and phototherapy duration.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 40 preterm infants (20 with birth weights 1,000–1,500 gm, 20 with birth weights 1,501–2,000 gm).
- Infants received either intramuscular vitamin E (50 mg/kg over 3 days) or were controls.
- Plasma tocopherol levels, hydrogen peroxide hemolysis tests, serum bilirubin, and phototherapy duration were measured.
Main Results:
- Vitamin E administration increased plasma tocopherol concentrations and normalized hemolysis tests.
- Infants ≤1500 gm birth weight receiving vitamin E showed significantly lower serum bilirubin on day 3 and peak levels.
- Phototherapy duration was significantly reduced in vitamin E-supplemented infants (48 vs. 107 hours).
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E supplementation is effective in reducing bilirubin levels and the need for phototherapy in preterm infants, especially those with lower birth weights.
- Vitamin E enhances antioxidant status, potentially offering neuroprotection against bilirubin-induced damage.
- Further research is warranted to optimize vitamin E dosing and timing for preterm infants.
Abstract:
A study was designed to determine the effect of vitamin E on bilirubinemia in the preterm infant. Twenty infants with birth weight between 1,000 and 1,500 gm and 20 infants with birth weights between 1,501 and 2,000 gm were studied. Half the infants in each birth weight group received vitamin E administered intramuscularly in a total dose of 50 mg/kg during days 1 to 3 of life; the remaining infants served as controls. The administration of vitamin E produced significantly increased plasma tocopherol concentrations and normal hydrogen peroxide hemolysis tests by the end of the first week of life. Infants with birthweights less than or equal to 1500 gm who received vitamin E demonstrated a significant decrease in serum bilirubin on day 3 of life (6.5 +/- 2.2 vs 8.8 +/- 2.2 mg/dl) as well as a significant decrease in peak serum bilirubin during the first week of life (8.3 +/- 2.2 vs 10.6 +/- 2.6 mg/dl). The duration of phototherapy also was significantly less in the vitamin E-supplemented group (48 +/- 18 vs 107 +/- 31 hours). These differences were less pronounced in infants with birth weights more than 1,500 gm.
