Exchange transfusion and serum vitamin E (tocopherol) concentration in the newborn

17 babies suffering from haemolytic disease or "hyperbilirubinaemia of prematurity" underwent exchange transfusion in the first 4 days of life. In 14 babies, including all those who had abnormally low pre-exchange serum vitamin E levels (<0.5 mg/100 ml), the vitamin E concentration rose as a result of exchange transfusion. In 3 babies the serum vitamin E concentration fell as result of exchange transfusion, but in no case was the post-exchange level below 0.5 mg/100 ml. The normal range of plasma vitamin E in stored ACD blood was 0.44--1.24 mg/100 ml. It was concluded that although vitamin E deficiency might be a factor in the aetiology of the anaemia of prematurity, prior subjection to exchange transfusion is unlikely to make a significant contribution to the vitamin E deficiency.