Thiamin status of premature infants assessed by measurement of thiamin diphosphate in whole blood.

AbstractPremature infants constitute a risk group for thiamin deficiency but only little is known about their thiamin status. The aim of the presentstudy was to investigate the thiamin status of premature infants by determination of thiamin diphosphate (TDP) and to identify risk factorsfor low TDP concentrations. In a prospective, longitudinal study TDP was determined by HPLC in whole blood in the first days of life andapproximately every 2 weeks. Demographical data, weight gain, type of nutrition and thiamin intake were recorded. A total of 111 pre-mature infants were included at the Children’s Hospital of the University of Cologne, Germany from May 2009 until December 2010 and 222blood samples were analysed. TDP concentrations showed an age-dependent decline (age 0–10d, mean TDP ¼ 110·6 ng/ml; age 11–20d,mean TDP ¼ 95·4 ng/ml; age 21–103d, mean TDP ¼ 33·6ng/ml). There was no significant difference between males and females. Younggestational age and low birth weight were associated with low TDP concentrations. No infant was diagnosed with thiamin deficiency. Thecurrent nutritional regimen in our hospital did not lead to thiamin deficiency in the study cohort. Further research is required to evaluatehow TDP concentrations are regulated in premature infants.Key words: Thiamin: Thiamin diphosphate: Thiamin status: Premature infants