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High plasma ascorbic acid levels in premature neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage
Insights
Elevated plasma ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels in premature infants may indicate intracranial hemorrhage. Higher vitamin C levels correlated with more severe bleeding, suggesting a brain-to-blood vitamin C efflux during brain injury.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) actively accumulates in the brain, creating a significant concentration gradient.
- Central nervous system (CNS) insults can cause ascorbic acid to move from the brain to the bloodstream, increasing plasma levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between plasma ascorbic acid levels and intracranial hemorrhage in premature neonates.
- To determine if plasma ascorbate levels can serve as a biomarker for CNS injury in this population.
Main Methods:
- Plasma ascorbic acid levels were measured in premature neonates on days 1, 3, and 5 postpartum.
- Infants underwent ultrasonography to screen for and assess the severity of intracranial hemorrhage.
Main Results:
- Neonates diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage exhibited significantly higher plasma ascorbic acid levels compared to control infants.
- A positive correlation was observed between the severity of intracranial hemorrhage and plasma ascorbate concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Intracranial hemorrhage in premature neonates is associated with increased plasma ascorbic acid levels.
- The findings suggest that plasma ascorbic acid efflux into circulation is a consequence of intracranial hemorrhage, potentially serving as an indicator of CNS injury.
Abstract:
The accumulation of ascorbic acid in the brain by active transport establishes a high brain-plasma gradient of the vitamin. An insult to the CNS may result in an efflux of ascorbate into the circulation with a consequent rise of plasma levels. We measured plasma ascorbic acid levels in premature neonates on days 1, 3, and 5 of life, and the infants underwent ultrasonographic examination to detect intracranial hemorrhage. Neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage sustained significantly higher plasma ascorbate levels than their controls. Infants with massive bleeding had higher levels than those with a smaller hemorrhage. These results suggest that an efflux of ascorbic acid into the circulation occurs secondary to intracranial hemorrhage.