VITAMIN E DOES NOT AFFECT NEUTROPHIL FUNCTION IN PREMATURE NEWBORNS

Abstract

Human prematures have low levels of Vit. E. While supplementation with Vit.E seems desirable, this may lead to decreased killing of ingested microorganisms by neutrophils (NP), as suggested by recent reports, thus further impairing newborn host defense. We studied the effects of oral dl α Tocopherol (αT) administration to prematures on NP functions in a randomized double blind placebo(P) controlled trial. αT and P groups were of comparable gestational age( T:32±2.2;P:32±1.6 wks),birthweight,race, sex,Apgar score, and mode of delivery; 42 babies were in the αT group,31 in P group. We studied serum vit E,polyunsaturated fatty acid composition,H₂O₂ induced hemolysis,ingestion(Phag)and killing(K) of S. Aureus 502-A(SA), by NP.At a dose of 15mg/kg/day, αT did not lead to a significant rise in vit E levels;Phag.and K were unchanged. A second and third group were given 50 and 100mg αT/kg/day po respectively:in these groups serum Vit E levels rose significantly over the level in P group and reached levels ⩾ 0.8 mg% in 77% of babies. H₂O₂ induced hemolysis decreased concomitantly. Phag. and K were unaffected however. Both αT and P groups had similar values which did not differ significantly, regardless of the time interval after start of therapy,at which the samples were taken. Our data suggest that supplementation of prematures with αT does not impair or improve NP function and may not be hazardous for these babies.(Supported by NIH HD 14864 and CSC Grant 2-MO-1-RR-00749)

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