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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition
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ISSN: 1606-0997 EISSN: 1606-0997
Vol. 33, No. 2, 2015, pp. 1-6
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Bioline Code: hn15027
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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The Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, Vol. 33, No. 2, 2015, pp. 1-6
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Plasma arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids in Tunisian very low birth weight infants: status and association with selected neonatal morbidities
Fares, Samira; Sethom, Mohamed M.; Kacem, Samia; Khouaja-Mokrani, Chahnez; Feki, Moncef & Kaabachi, Naziha
Abstract
To study plasma arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status in Tunisian very low birth weight
(VLBW) infants and their association with selected neonatal morbidities. A total of 709 VLBW infants and 339 term
infants were included. Plasma fatty acids were analyzed using capillary gas chromatography. VLBW infants had
significantly (p < 0.001) lower plasma AA (9.44 ± 2.12 vs. 10.8 ± 2.10) and DHA (2.56 ± 0.89 vs. 3.46 ± 1.09) levels, but
higher n-6:n-3 ratio (5.58 ± 1.22 vs. 5.17 ± 1.46) than term infants. In VLBW infants, plasma AA and DHA were related
to gestational age (r = 0.156; p = 0.001 and r = 0.134; p = 0.003, respectively), birthweight (r = 0.242; p < 0.001 and
r = 0.181; p < 0.001, respectively) and head circumference (r = 0.138; p = 0.005 and r = 0.108; p = 0.027, respectively).
Infants with respiratory distress syndrome have decreased plasma AA and DHA and those with intraventricular
hemorrhage have decreased plasma AA and n-6:n-3 ratio. Sepsis was associated with decreased DHA levels. Plasma
long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids status is low in VLBW infants. These deficits may enhance the risk of common
neonatal morbidities, rendering their prevention and correction greatly warranted.
Keywords
Arachidonic acid; Docosahexaenoic acid; Intraventricular hemorrhage; Sepsis; Preterm infants; Respiratory distress syndrome; Small for gestational age
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