Effect of Vitamin E Therapy on Blood Coagulation Tests in Newborn Infants

Abstract
A double-blind randomized trial of vitamin E therapy was conducted in premature infants whose birth weight was < 1500 gm. Treated infants received 25 mg of vitamin E daily by mouth for the 1st 6 wk of life. Detailed studies of plasma coagulation factors were performed prior to therapy and at days 7 and 42. None of the factors differed significantly between the treated and control groups. Although vitamin E therapy was is reported to affect the blood levels of vitamin K dependent coagulation factors, no such effect was noted in this group of premature infants.