A clinical trial of two parenteral nutrition solutions in neonates
Article Abstract:
Both premature and normal-weight infants may need parenteral (intravenous) nutrition. The relative levels of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) in these formulas and requirements of the premature infants have been debated. Blood levels of amino acids comparable to those found in normal newborns may be desirable in preterm infants. The effects of two parenteral feeding preparations on blood levels of amino acids were compared in 68 infants, most of whom were premature, during the first week of life. One of the preparations, Vamin 9 glucose (V9G), has been associated with potentially toxic amino acid levels in preterm infants; this effect has been attributed to individual reactions. The other preparation administered to the premature newborns was MB233G. Forty-eight infants completed the week-long study. More of the infants in the V9G group required respiratory support, while more of the infants receiving MB233G developed a circulatory abnormality. These factors may have affected the outcome of the study. Infants fed MB233G were more likely to have levels of amino acids similar to those of healthy newborns, but weight loss and head circumference were similar in both groups. Mortality was higher in the V9G group, and was probably related to the higher incidence of respiratory problems. Some of the abnormally high levels of amino acids in the V9G formula may cause toxic effects. However, the lack of clinical toxicity and the similar amino acid levels among all of the infants who received V9G, survivors and deceased, does not confirm that deaths among this group were caused by V9G. The effects of V9G remain a serious concern and await further study. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1990
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Pupillary diameter and reaction to light in preterm neonates
Article Abstract:
The pupil is the contractile opening at the center of the iris, which is the circular, colored membrane in the center of the eye. The pupil controls the amount of light that enters the eye. It contracts when exposed to intense light or when focusing on a near object, and dilates in the dark or when focusing on a distant object. The average diameter of a pupil is four to five millimeters, and the pupils of both eyes should be equal in diameter. The time required for development of the light reflex, and the diameter of the pupil before and after reflex development were assessed in 50 newborn, preterm infants born from 26 to 34 weeks gestation. The pupillary light reflex was not detected in infants born at less than 30 weeks' gestation. This reflex gradually developed from 30 weeks' gestation on, and was completely present at 35 weeks' gestation. Before the development of the pupillary reflex, the average diameter of the pupil was 3.46 millimeters (mm). The average pupil diameter was 3.02 mm after the development of the pupillary reflex. The retinal irradiance is the amount of light reaching the retina, the inner membrane of the eye that receives images formed by the lens. For preterm babies, retinal irradiance was estimated to be less than that known to cause damage to the retina in animals. However, the effect of early light exposure on the immature visual system requires further investigation to determine whether the exposure has a positive or adverse effect on the eye. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1990
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