Abstract
Objective: To measure the changes in whole blood fatty acid levels in premature infants and evaluate associations between these changes and neonatal morbidities. Study design: This was a retrospective cohort study of 88 infants born at <30 weeks' gestation. Serial fatty acid profiles during the first postnatal month and infant outcomes, including chronic lung disease (CLD), retinopathy of prematurity, and late-onset sepsis, were analyzed. Regression modeling was applied to determine the association between fatty acid levels and neonatal morbidities. Results: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid levels declined rapidly in the first postnatal week, with a concomitant increase in linoleic acid levels. Decreased DHA level was associated with an increased risk of CLD (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-5.0). Decreased arachidonic acid level was associated with an increased risk of late-onset sepsis (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.1-1.7). The balance of fatty acids was also a predictor of CLD and late-onset sepsis. An increased linoleic acid:DHA ratio was associated with an increased risk of CLD (OR, 8.6; 95% CI, 1.4-53.1) and late-onset sepsis (hazard ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.5-14.1). Conclusion: Altered postnatal fatty acid levels in premature infants are associated with an increased risk of CLD and late-onset sepsis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 743-749.e2 |
Journal | Journal of Pediatrics |
Volume | 159 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 2011 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- AA
- Arachidonic acid
- CLD
- Chronic lung disease
- DHA
- Docosahexaenoic acid
- LA
- LCPUFA
- Linoleic acid
- Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid
- NEC
- NICU
- Necrotizing enterocolitis
- Neonatal intensive care unit
- ROP
- Retinopathy of prematurity
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health