[Vitamin E and cholestasis in children].

The mechanisms and consequences of Vitamin E deficiency were studied in 12 children presenting with chronic cholestasis. Preliminary results indicate that: (1) Vitamin E serum levels are lowest in children with the long-lasting cholestasis and in children in whom fat malabsorption is deepest. (2) Signs of neurologic dysfunction involving peripheral nerves, cerebellum, eye movements and retina were present in 7 children. (3) In vitro study of RBC showed increased hemolysis with oxidating agents and in physiological saline. Degree of hemolysis was inversely related to the serum level of vitamin E. (4) Increased platelet aggregation was observed in 8 patients; 6 of these also had low levels of serum Vitamin E.