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Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2003;88:F324-F328 doi:10.1136/fn.88.4.F324
  • Original article

Effects of vitamin E supplementation during erythropoietin treatment of the anaemia of prematurity

  1. A Pathak1,
  2. P Roth1,
  3. J Piscitelli2,
  4. L Johnson3
  1. 1Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
  2. 2Department of Pathology , Albert Einstein College of Medicine
  3. 3Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr P Roth, Director of Neonatology, Staten Island University Hospital – 4E, 475 Seaview Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA;
    proth{at}siuh.edu
  • Accepted 27 August 2002

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the effects of vitamin E supplementation on haemoglobin concentration and the requirement for transfusion in premature infants treated with erythropoietin and iron.

Methods: Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Thirty infants ≤32 weeks gestation and ≤1250 g birth weight, who were defined as stable based on minimal requirements for respiratory support and phlebotomy, and absence of major congenital anomalies were enrolled. All were treated with erythropoietin and iron, and were randomised to receive, in addition, either vitamin E 50 IU/day or placebo for eight weeks or until discharge, whichever came first.

Results: Despite higher vitamin E (α-tocopherol) levels in the experimental group in weeks 3 (49.0 v 28.1 μmol/l) and 8 (66.2 v 38.5 μmol/l), there were no differences in haemoglobin, reticulocyte count, iron concentration, or transfusion requirement.

Conclusions: Oral vitamin E supplementation at 50 IU/day does not increase the response of preterm infants to erythropoietin and iron. Vitamin E obtained through standard nutrition may have been sufficient or higher doses may be required.

Footnotes

  • Research supported in part by Newborn Pediatrics Fund, Pennsylvania Hospital

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