Liver vitamin A reserves of very low birth weight neonates.

Abstract

This study assessed the liver vitamin A concentrations at birth in a group of very low birth weight neonates (n = 25) (less than 1500 g birth weight, less than 32 wk gestation), dying within 24 h of birth, prior to possible changes in vitamin A status induced by postnatal intervention. Serum concentrations of vitamin A and retinol-binding protein were also measured in 16 of these neonates. The mean (+/- SD) liver vitamin A concentration was 30.0 +/- 12.9 micrograms/g (range 2.0-49.0 micrograms/g). The mean (+/- SD) serum vitamin A concentration was 13.0 +/- 4.7 micrograms/dl (range 6.7-22.8 micrograms/dl). The mean (+/- SD) serum retinol-binding protein concentration was 2.2 +/- 0.8 mg/dl (range 1.5-4.8 mg/dl). Liver vitamin A, serum vitamin A, and serum retinol-binding protein concentrations did not correlate significantly with gestational age or birth weight. Linear regression analysis did not show a significant correlation between liver vitamin A, and serum vitamin A or retinol-binding protein concentrations. This study provides reference values for vitamin A concentrations at birth in very low birth weight neonates, which may be helpful in future studies designed to evaluate postnatal changes in the vitamin A status of these high-risk neonates.

• Authors: J P Shenai, F Chytil, M T Stahlman
• Journal: Pediatric research (Pediatr Res) Vol. 19 Issue 9 Pg. 892-3 (Sep 1985) ISSN: 0031-3998 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4047756 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Retinol-Binding Proteins
• Vitamin A

Topics

• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Low Birth Weight
• Infant, Newborn
• Liver (metabolism)
• Male
• Retinol-Binding Proteins (blood)
• Vitamin A (blood, metabolism)