[Changes in the plasma concentration of vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene in polytrauma patients and in patients with osteitis in relation to course of illness].

In 17 patients with osteitis and 16 polytraumatized patients changes in the plasma levels of vitamin A, vitamin E and beta-carotene were investigated. Plasma samples taken preoperatively, daily during the first three days and then twice a week postoperatively were analysed for fat-soluble vitamins by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Significant changes in plasma levels of all three components depending on the outcome of injury were found in all patients. Increased levels were observed in patients that survived the injury, while in those who died a significant decrease was observed. Recommendations regarding the supplementation with these vitamins in clinical practice can not be made based on these results, but substitute might prove beneficial for vitamin E in certain types of injury.