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Plasma vitamin E levels in children with cholestasis
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|June 1, 1984
Summary
Vitamin E deficiency is common in infants and children with chronic cholestasis. Levels drop significantly after four months in infants and correlate with cholestasis severity in older children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Chronic cholestasis in infants and children can lead to various complications.
- Nutritional deficiencies, particularly fat-soluble vitamins, are a concern in cholestatic liver disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma vitamin E levels in children with chronic cholestasis.
- To determine the relationship between vitamin E status and the characteristics of cholestasis.
Main Methods:
- Assayed plasma vitamin E levels in 58 children with chronic cholestasis.
- Correlated vitamin E levels with clinical parameters like age of onset, serum bilirubin, bile acids, and fat absorption.
Main Results:
- Infants developing cholestasis early showed vitamin E levels below normal after 4 months.
- In older children, vitamin E levels correlated with cholestasis severity (bilirubin, bile acids, fat absorption), not etiology.
- No correlation was found between vitamin E and alkaline phosphatases, triglycerides, phospholipids, or cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin E deficiency is a significant issue in pediatric chronic cholestasis.
- Monitoring and addressing vitamin E status is crucial for managing these patients.