Selenium depletion and its correction in a child with homocystinuria.
A child of 10 months with proven homocystinuria was found to be selenium depleted and we report the serial monitoring of replacement therapy. Selenium, as an enriched yeast preparation, equivalent to 50 mug on alternate days was required for maintenance. Indices of selenium status returned to normal in varying times. The child initially demonstrated an abnormality of an in vitro challenge by hydrogen peroxide to her erythrocytes, that returned to within normal limits with selenium therapy alone, the serum vitamin E concentration being normal.
Spooner
R J
RJ
Department of Biochemistry, Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Fell
G S
GS
Halls
D J
DJ
Taitz
L S
LS
Worthy
E
E