Assessment with liver function tests and hydroperoxides in short term very-lowbirth-weight neonatal parenteral nutrition

Rationale: It has been reported that PN (parenteral nutrition) in preterm neonates may have deleterious effects on hepatic function. We also studied the influence of peroxidation in PN bags, with and without light protection. Methods: 30 neonates weighing 1000 1500 g on TPN were studied prospectively. Serum samples were taken at start and at end of PN. Peroxides from 31 bags at 0, 5, 18 and 24 hours were measured. PN samples were taken from both light protected and not light protected PN bags. Results: Patients: (1) With PN: GOT = 28.63±13.00 IU; GPT = 7.37±5.10 IU; TB = 9.03±3.40 IU; DB = 0.845 ±0.43 UI; GGT = 110.41±81.87 IU. (2) Without PN: GOT = 28.73±16.36 IU; GPT = 10.53±8.38 IU; TB = 6.36±3.91 IU; DB = 1.35±1.53 IU; GGT = 128.38±75.74 IU. Significant differences: GPT, TB and DB (p < 0.05). Peroxides in bags: light protected and not, respectively, at 0 hours: 278.01±139.92 and 299.87±166.00, at 5 hours: 142.28±117.93 and 155.11±140.81, at 18 hours 183.39±115.40 and 212.92±133.72 and at 24 hours 258.58±187.81 and 284.55±162.78. At 18 hours the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: 1. TB and 18-hour hydroperoxides concentrations were higher in serum, with PN and in light unprotected PN bags, respectively. 2. GPT and DB serum levels were lower with PN. 3. Within the conditions of this study, no association was found between hepatic function alterations and short-term TPN as well as with bag light exposure in neonates.

Author(s): Ferreyra, M.E.; Ocaña, M.C.; Bullón, E.N.
Source: Clinical Nutrition Supplements

URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/347040