THE ROLE OF SELENIUM (SE) IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD)

Abstract

Plasma Se, erythrocyte Se and erythrocyte glutathione were measured in nineteen premature infants with severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in cord blood, at 3 days and 30 days of age. Plasma vitamin E (vitE) was also assessed for its role in peroxide degradation. Patients (pts) were evaluated for BPD and divided into 2 groups by this diagnosis. The 2 groups consisted of 8 pts with RDS alone and 11 pts with RDS and BPD. The demographic data profiles and the requirements for supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation during the first 3 days of life, were similar.No difference was found in the levels of Se in plasma between the 2 groups. Erythrocyte Se and glutathione values were somewhat lower in the BPD group than in the RDS group at age 3 days. In infants with BPD the levels were higher in cord blood than at 3 days and at 30 days. Pts with BPD had significantly lower plasma vitE levels at age 3 days than pts with RDS alone. VitE levels in infants with BPD increased significantly over time but still remained lower than in infants with RDS at 30 days. Findings from this study shows a possible interaction between Se and vitE in the development of BPD. (Grants from Research Foundation of GSH, #12 and Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio #74-345).