Vitamin A and bronchopulmonary dysplasia: research, issues, and clinical practice.
Vitamin A is a crucial antioxidant for preterm infants because it protects the lungs from oxidative damage induced by the administration of supplemental oxygen. Although all preterm infants are born with smaller vitamin A stores than full-term infants, the store of vitamin A in preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is often especially deficient. Despite the increases in plasma vitamin A concentrations that have been achieved with vitamin A supplementation, only modest improvements in clinical outcomes and incidence of BPD have been noted in this population. This article reviews the research on vitamin A supplementation for preterm infants, as well as the issues and clinical implications associated with this intervention.
The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Atlanta, GA 30350, USA. mentro.1@osu.edu
Anne M
AM
Mentro
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D054839:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; D012307:Risk Factors; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000975:Antioxidants; D012177:Retinol-Binding Proteins; D054839:Retinol-Binding Proteins, Plasma; D014801:Vitamin A