Histological Observations on Glycogen Reserves of the Foetus and Newborn Infant

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Abstract
A histological assessment of glycogen storage and fatty change was made on the livers and hearts of 35 babies treated with bicarbonate and levulose via umbilical vein catheter for respiratory distress syndrome, and the findings were compared with an earlier control series. Apart from the very immature baby who seems to have reduced ability to lay down glycogen, storage increases roughly in proportion to the amount of levulose administered. Myocardial glycogen also increases, though not proportionately as in the liver, and the reasons for this are discussed. Fatty change was more common in the livers of treated babies but this could be due to the fact that they lived longer. On the other hand the myocardium showed less fatty change.