Is routine vitamin E administration justified in very low-birthweight infants?

Abstract

Analysis of nine randomised controlled trials of prophylactic vitamin E supplementation in very low-birthweight infants (less than 1500g) showed no statistically significant reduction in the incidence of acute retinopathy of prematurity. There was a significant reduction (49 per cent) in the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage, but no clear evidence for a corresponding reduction in intracerebral haemorrhage and no reduction in the incidence of haemorrhage confined to the germinal matrix. By combining the estimated reduction with the known incidence of long-term neurological disability associated with intracranial haemorrhage alone, it was shown that only 1.5 per cent (point estimate) and not more than about 4 per cent of all very low-birthweight infants are likely to benefit from routine vitamin E supplementation. In view of this, and data suggesting toxicity of vitamin E at concentrations close to those considered therapeutic, the routine use of vitamin E in very low-birthweight infants is not justified on present evidence. Only large randomised trials can establish whether currently used vitamin E preparations do more good than harm.

• Authors: M R Law, K Wijewardene, N J Wald
• Journal: Developmental medicine and child neurology (Dev Med Child Neurol) Vol. 32 Issue 5 Pg. 442-50 (May 1990) ISSN: 0012-1622 [Print] England
• PMID: 2191890 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Vitamin E

Topics

• Cerebral Hemorrhage (prevention & control)
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Infant, Low Birth Weight
• Infant, Newborn
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (prevention & control)
• Risk Factors
• Vitamin E (administration & dosage, adverse effects)