Vitamin E and neonatal hemolysis.
A study was designed to determine if the presence of vitamin E deficiency during the first week of life played a contributory role in the shortened red cell life span observed in the premature infant. Carboxyhemoglobin values were used as an index of hemolysis. Ten infants received vitamin E administered intramuscularly in a total dose of 125 mg/kg during days 3 to 7 of life; ten infants served as controls. The mean percent carboxyhemoglobin level fell significantly from day 3 to day 8 in the treated group (1.08% to 0.78%) whereas the mean value remained unchanged at 0.96% in the control group. The administration of vitamin E appears to reduce but not eliminate the accelerated red cell destruction that characterizes the preterm infant. Pediatrics, 59:995-997, 1677, VITAMIN E, HEMOLYSIS, PREMATURE INFANT, CARBOXYHEMOGLOBIN.
D001034:Apgar Score; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004899:Erythroblastosis, Fetal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004905:Erythrocyte Aging; D005260:Female; D006461:Hemolysis / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014810:Vitamin E; D002263:Carboxyhemoglobin