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Am J Perinatol 1989; 6(1): 14-17
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999535
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1989 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Maternal, Cord, and Neonatal Carnitine Correlations and Lipid Profiles of Various Birthweight Infants

Dileep S. Sachan, Rebecca B. Smith, Joan Plattsmier, Vichien Lorch
  • Departments of Nutrition and Food Sciences and of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee, Memorial Research Center and Hospital, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The carnitine, acylcarnitine, and triglyceride concentrations were determined in the average for gestational age neonates of various birthweights and gestational ages and their corresponding maternal and umbilical cord plasma. Forty-two infants were divided into one of four groups based on birthweight: Group 1, less than 1000 gm; group II, 1001 to 1510 gm; group III, 1511 to 2500 gm; and group IV were term infants who served as the reference group. Results indicated that there was an overall decrease of total carnitine and nonesterified carnitine with advancing gestational age (r = -0.4418, p < 0.01). Furthermore, there were three distinct phases of plasma carnitine concentrations from 24 weeks to term. The plasma carnitine profile of the neonates less than 1500 gm was strongly correlated (r = 0.73) to their maternal plasma carnitine profile and that of term neonateto their umbilical cord plasma. Acylcarnitine and triglycerides were not significantly correlated.