Taurine: an essential amino acid to prevent cholestasis in neonates?
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence that taurine can prevent cholestasis in neonates.


METHODS
MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were conducted to identify both animal and human data regarding taurine's role in bile acid conjugation and liver disease (key terms: taurine, children less than two years old).


METHODS
Emphasis was placed on human data supplemented by relevant animal data.


RESULTS
Taurine appears to more effectively conjugate bile acids than glycine, and the end-products of conjugation are more soluble. Taurine deficiency may increase glyco-conjugates of bile acids and result in cholestasis. Although the cause of neonatal cholestasis probably is multifactorial, there are data indicating that adequate taurine may prevent cholestasis in neonates.


CONCLUSIONS
Taurine should be considered an essential amino acid for neonates and should be included in total parenteral nutrition solutions for these patients.
Howard
D
D
College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73117.
Thompson
D F
DF
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000818:Animals; D002779:Cholestasis / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total; D013654:Taurine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D000601:Amino Acids, Essential; D013654:Taurine