Abstract
Vitamin E (VE) has been used via the oral or in route in VLBW infants; however, the intravenous route is often preferred. The pharmacokinetics of intravenous VE have not been reported.
Prior to an infant study, we measured VE pharmacokinetics in 8 adult cats after an intravenous infusion. Results showed a mean T½ of 73.0 hours, volume of distribution based on area (VD) of 0.59 l/kg and total plasma clearance (PC) of 4.5 mg/k/hr.
We then measured serum VE levels in six VLBW newborns after a one-hour infusion of 10 mg/kg (dl-α-tocopherol, Hoffman-LaRoche) via peripheral vein. Serum was obtained at 0, 0.5, 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours and then intermittently up to 28 days post infusion. Serum VE levels were measured by HPLC. Kinetic analysis was done using a multicompartment fitting with an exact, least squares program on a digital computer. All infants were n.p.o. and intubated for respiratory distress. Their mean BW was 920 grams and G.A. was 27 weeks. Select serum VE levels in mg/l:
The mean T½ was 282 ± 164 hrs., VD was 0.373 ± 0.098 l/kg, and PC was 1.27 ± .46 ml/k/hr. There was no change in liver function as assessed by clinical course, SGOT or bilirubin. Serum lipid concentrations were stable. Dosing recommendations can be based on these data.
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Myers, P., Quissell, B. & Peterson, R. PHARMACOLOGY OF INTRAVENOUS VITAMIN E IN THE VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT (VLBW) NEWBORN. Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 157 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00382
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-00382