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Selenium and vitamin E sufficiency in premature infants requiring total parenteral nutrition
Insights
Parenteral lipid infusions in low birth weight (LBW) infants increased vitamin E but did not impair antioxidant systems, though selenium levels decreased. Infants receiving lipids showed better weight gain but experienced hyperlipidemia.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Low birth weight (LBW) infants often require nutritional support.
- Parenteral nutrition (PN) is crucial for LBW infants.
- The impact of lipid emulsions on antioxidant systems in LBW infants needs clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of parenteral lipid infusions on the antioxidant systems of LBW infants.
- To assess the clinical outcomes and safety of lipid emulsions in LBW infants.
Main Methods:
- A randomized prospective study involving 20 LBW infants.
- Group 1: PN regimen with lipid emulsion (n=10).
- Group 2: PN regimen without lipid emulsion (n=10).
- Evaluation of antioxidant systems using peroxide hemolysis and thiobarbituric acid tests.
- Monitoring of vitamin E, selenium levels, and clinical course.
Main Results:
- Lipid emulsion administration led to increased vitamin E levels.
- Selenium levels decreased in both lipid and non-lipid groups.
- Antioxidant systems remained intact in both groups, as indicated by test results.
- Infants receiving lipids exhibited improved weight gain.
- Hyperlipidemia was observed in the lipid group, with no other adverse clinical effects.
Conclusions:
- Parenteral lipid infusions appear safe for LBW infants regarding antioxidant status.
- Lipid emulsions can enhance vitamin E levels and promote weight gain in LBW infants.
- Monitoring for hyperlipidemia is recommended when using lipid emulsions in LBW infants.
Abstract:
A randomized prospective study of LBW infants was undertaken to evaluate the effect of parenteral lipid infusions upon their antioxidant systems. Ten babies received a parenteral nutrition regimen with lipid emulsion, and ten received a regimen without lipid. Although the addition of lipid emulsion to the total parenteral nutrition regimen led to a rise in vitamin E levels, the selenium levels fell in both groups. Neither group showed evidence of deficient antioxidant systems by the peroxide hemolysis test or thiobarbituric acid test. There did not seem to be any adverse effect of the lipid infusion upon the clinical course of the infants except for hyperlipidemia. There was a better weight gain in infants receiving lipid.