title: Absorption of high-dose enteral vitamin A in low-birth-weight neonates.
abstract: A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was designed to determine whether high-dose (25,000 IU) enteral vitamin A, to correct deficiency, would be absorbed and well tolerated in low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates. Thirty-five LBW infants (950-1700 g; gestational age 27-36 weeks) were allocated to receive either placebo or vitamin A (25,000 IU) via nasogastric tube on the first day of the study (between 36 and 60 hours after delivery). The dose was repeated on study days 4 and 8. Serum retinol concentrations were determined pre- and post-supplementation. Toxic effects of vitamin A were monitored by noting vomiting, drowsiness and irritability, and palpating for a bulging fontanelle. The mean serum retinol concentration was significantly higher following supplementation in the vitamin A-treated group than in the placebo group (45.77 +/- 17.07 micrograms/dl v. 12.88 +/- 6.48 micrograms/dl; P = 0.0001). Toxic effects were not detected in any of the infants. In conclusion, high-dose enteral vitamin A is well absorbed in LBW neonates and three doses of 25,000 IU given over a period of 8 days are not associated with any detectable toxic effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Natal, Durben.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coutsoudis
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Adhikari
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pillay
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Coovadia
mesh_terms: D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005260:Female; D005527:Food, Fortified; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000378:metabolism*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A