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Effect of vitamin E therapy on blood coagulation tests in newborn infants
Insights
Vitamin E therapy in premature infants did not significantly alter plasma coagulation factors. This study found no effect of vitamin E on blood clotting in very low birth weight infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- Premature infants are at risk for coagulation disorders.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant with potential effects on coagulation.
- Previous studies suggest vitamin E may influence vitamin K-dependent factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of oral vitamin E supplementation on plasma coagulation factors in premature infants.
- To determine if vitamin E therapy impacts vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors in this population.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted.
- Premature infants (<1,500 gm birth weight) received 25 mg vitamin E daily for six weeks.
- Plasma coagulation factors were measured before therapy, at day 7, and day 42.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in plasma coagulation factors were observed between the vitamin E treated group and the control group.
- Specific vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors showed no significant alteration due to vitamin E therapy.
Conclusions:
- Oral vitamin E supplementation at 25 mg daily for six weeks did not affect plasma coagulation factors in premature infants.
- The findings do not support a role for vitamin E in modulating coagulation in this vulnerable infant population.
Abstract:
A double-blind randomized trial of vitamin E therapy was conducted in premature infants whose birth weight was less than 1,500 gm. Treated infants received 25 mg of vitamin E daily by mouth for the first six weeks of life. Detailed studies of plasma coagulation factors were performed prior to therapy and at days 7 and 42. None of the factors differed significantly between the treated and control groups. Although vitamin E therapy has been reported to affect the blood levels of vitamin K dependent coagulation factors, no such effect was noted in this group of premature infants.