[Triglycerides and cholesterol esterification during parenteral nutrition of newborn infants (author's transl)]

In a group of 23 newborn infants with necrotizing enterocolitis receiving parenteral nutrition the serum triglyceride levels (347 samples), and the free to esterified cholesterol ratio (188 determinations) were studied. The relationship of both T, and FCH/ECH with bacterial infections were also studied. Mean T level increased significantly with the episodes of infection. In the group of infants with a birth weight less than 1,500 grs. a significantly greater percentage of T levels above 250 mg./dl. than in infants of a greater birth weight is found. FCH/ECH ratio was already abnormal in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis before parenteral nutrition was started. Authors also observed a positive correlation between abnormality of cholesterol esterification and days of parenteral nutrition.