Lipids in Forehead Vernix from Newborn Infants

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Abstract
Neutral lipids in forehead vernix from newborn infants of various gestations were analysed by gas chromatography. Vernix collected from pre-term ( < 37 weeks) infants differed markedly from that collected from near-term (≥ 37 weeks) infants. The principle difference was an increase in the content of squalene relative to other lipids in vernix from near-term infants. This change indicated a surge in fetal sebaceous gland function at about 37 weeks gestation.