Plasma arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in Tunisian very low birth weight infants: status and association with selected neonatal morbidities.

To study plasma arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status in Tunisian very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and their association with selected neonatal morbidities. A total of 709 VLBW infants and 339 term infants were included. Plasma fatty acids were analyzed using capillary gas chromatography. VLBW infants had significantly (p < 0.001) lower plasma AA (9.44 ± 2.12 vs. 10.8 ± 2.10) and DHA (2.56 ± 0.89 vs. 3.46 ± 1.09) levels, but higher n-6:n-3 ratio (5.58 ± 1.22 vs. 5.17 ± 1.46) than term infants. In VLBW infants, plasma AA and DHA were related to gestational age (r = 0.156; p = 0.001 and r = 0.134; p = 0.003, respectively), birthweight (r = 0.242; p < 0.001 and r = 0.181; p < 0.001, respectively) and head circumference (r = 0.138; p = 0.005 and r = 0.108; p = 0.027, respectively). Infants with respiratory distress syndrome have decreased plasma AA and DHA and those with intraventricular hemorrhage have decreased plasma AA and n-6:n-3 ratio. Sepsis was associated with decreased DHA levels. Plasma long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids status is low in VLBW infants. These deficits may enhance the risk of common neonatal morbidities, rendering their prevention and correction greatly warranted.

Nutritional practice effectiveness to achieve adequate plasma vitamin A, E and D during the early postnatal life in Tunisian very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To look at changes in plasma vitamin A, E and D concentrations during the early postnatal life and to study their link with growth and mortality in Tunisian very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 607 VLBW infants had been followed from birth until hospital discharge or death. Blood was collected at birth, at time of maximal weight loss and at time of recovering birth weight. Retinol and α-tocopherol were analyzed using HPLC and 25 hydroxy vitamin D using radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Vitamin A, D and E deficiencies were very common at birth (75.9%, 74.1% and 65.2%, respectively). The prevalence's have decreased throughout hospital stay, but remained high at time of recovering birth weight (59.4%, 31.2% and 28.8%, respectively). Vitamin A deficiency was associated with longer hospital stay [OR (95% CI), 1.66 (1.03-2.93)] and vitamin E deficiency was associated with increased neonatal mortality [1.44 (1.01-2.23)]. CONCLUSIONS: Current nutritional practices are ineffective to achieve adequate vitamins A, E and D status in Tunisian VLBW infants during the early postnatal life and should be revised. Further work is needed to establish recommended doses of vitamins supplements in these preterm infants.

VitaminA, E, and D deficiencies in tunisian very low birth weight neonates: prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Preterm neonates are at high risk of vitamin deficiencies, which may expose them to increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for vitamin A, E, and D deficiencies in Tunisian very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. METHODS: A total of 607 VLBW and 300 term neonates were included in the study. Plasma vitamins A and E were assessed by high performance liquid chromatography and vitamin D was assessed by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Prevalence of vitamin A, E, and D deficiencies were dramatically elevated in VLBW neonates and were significantly higher than term neonates (75.9% vs. 63.3%; 71.3% vs. 55.5%; and 65.2% vs. 40.4%, respectively). In VLBW neonates, the prevalence of vitamin deficiencies was significantly higher in lower classes of gestational age and birth weight. Vitamin E deficiency was associated with pre-eclampsia [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, 95% CI), 1.56 (1.01-2.44); p < 0.01] and gestational diabetes [4.01 (1.05-17.0); p < 0.01]. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with twin pregnancy [OR (95% CI), 2.66 (1.33-5.35); p < 0.01] and pre-eclampsia [2.89 (1.36-6.40); p < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Vitamin A, E, and D deficiencies are very common in Tunisian VLBW neonates and are associated with pre-eclampsia. Improved nutritional and health support for pregnant women and high dose vitamins A, E, and D supplementation in VLBW neonates are strongly required in Tunisia.