Plasma ascorbate and ceruloplasmin levels in Thai premature infants.

BACKGROUND

Free radicals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of some complications among premature infants. Even though ascorbate is an important anti-oxidant in human plasma, it can also act as a pro-oxidant at high concentrations in the presence of metal ions, which causes oxidative damage in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine plasma ascorbate and ceruloplasmin levels in premature infants (and their mothers) and full-term infants and to compare between groups.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Premature (n = 27) and full-term infants (n = 24) and the mothers of the premature infants (n = 13) admitted to Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, were enrolled in the study. Plasma ascorbate and ceruloplasmin levels were determined and compared among various clinical presentations.

RESULTS

Plasma ascorbate has negative correlation with gestational age of infants. Its level on day 1 of the premature infants was significantly higher than full-term group (52.62 vs 39.00 micromol/L) and then decline after birth. Premature infants receiving oxygen therapy had lower plasma ascorbate than premature infants without oxygen therapy (p = 0.017). Plasma ascorbate in premature infants who died was higher than in those that survived (p = 0.029). Premature infants with poor outcomes had a higher ratio of plasma ascorbate to ceruloplasmin than those with good outcomes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that high plasma ascorbate and low ceruloplasmin levels are associated with poor outcomes of premature infants; that is, ascorbate can act as either an anti-oxidant or a pro-oxidant.