VITAMIN-A AND VITAMINE-E STATUS IN VERY-LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT INFANTS - DEVELOPMENT OF AN IMPROVED PARENTERAL DELIVERY SYSTEM

Plasma vitamin A and E levels were inadequate in very low birth weight infants receiving a continuous infusion of a parenteral multivitamin preparation, 1.5 ml/kg per day, in dextrose-amino acid solution. A new delivery system using 2 ml/kg per day, infused for 6 hours from the f irst day of life, avoided loss during infusion and significantly impro ved plasma vitamin A and E levels during the first 28 days of life in very low birth weight infants.