Cord blood retinol and retinol-binding protein in preterm and term neonates

Vitamin A deficiency causes abnormalities in cellular replication, affecting the functional and structural integrity of epithelial cells. Based on the fact that vitamin A is transferred to the fetus in the last trimester of pregnancy, and the preterm baby may have low concentrations of this nutrient, we decided to study two groups of newborns during a six month period, evaluating their serum retinol and retinol-binding protein concentrations from cord blood samples. Group I consisted of 41 neonates with gestational age greater than or equal to 37 weeks and group II of 58 newborns with gestational age at birth less than or equal to 36.6 weeks. Results showed suboptimal concentrations of retinol in the preterm group ( < 40 ug/dL) and retinol-binding protein concentrations < 3 mg/dL) suggestive of a relative hypovitaminosis A in the same group of patients. It is important to undertake follow-up studies during the first month of life of the preterm babies in order to evaluate the need of vitamin A supplementation therapy in this group of patients.