Reference range for micronutrients and nutritional marker proteins in cord blood of neonates appropriated for gestational ages.

Abstract Background Reference values of numerous micronutrients at different gestational ages (GA) have not been yet reported based on large series. Aims This study aimed to establish the reference range for zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin E, retinol binding protein, transthyretin, albumin, transferrin and ceruloplasmin in neonates and to give the profiles according to gestational age. Study design A total of 510 infants appropriate for gestational age were included in the study. The determinations were done using the serum cord blood of 262 term and 248 preterm infants (gestational age of 37 to 42 and 26 to 36 weeks, respectively). Results All nutrients correlated significantly with birth weight and gestational age but different patterns were highlighted. Vitamin A, retinol binding protein and prealbumin showed a triphasic pattern with a cut-off at about 36 to 39 weeks. In this period, these parameters rised significantly ( P P P P P Conclusion The large number of data allow the build-up of reference ranges and charts for the evaluation of micronutrients and proteins in high-risk neonates.