Aluminum toxicity in neonates related to total parenteral nutrition with reference to three fatalities.

ABSTRACT

This study was performed on 300 neonates at Assiut University Hospital and revealed that aluminum [Al] toxicity in neonates was related mainly to the parenteral nutrition [PN] and formula feeding to a lesser extent. The serum and urinary levels of that toxic substance were determined in such high levels in PN cases which were commonly accepted as toxic levels; this was represented by a significant correlation between Al intake and serum and urinary Al levels. Three fatal cases were recorded during PN and all developed signs suggesting Al toxicity. The post mortem analysis within four hours of brain, bone, liver and kidney biopsies of the dead cases showed that their Al concentrations were consistent with high levels