Polysorbate 80 and E-Ferol Toxicity

[摘要] The relatively recent introduction and use of an intravenous form of a vitamin E preparation (E-Ferol) has been associated with the development of an unusual syndrome and fatalities among low birth weight (<1,500 g), premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. We have observed an inhibitory effect by this vitamin E preparation on the in vitro response of human lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). E-Ferol suppressed the expected response to low doses of PHA. However, this suppression was not due to the α-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E) component, because α-tocopherol acetate by itself was not inhibitory; in fact, it often enhanced the PHA response. Because a mixture of polysorbate 80 and polysorbate 20 is used as a carrier in E-Ferol, these components were also tested and were found to be responsible for the suppression, especially the polysorbate 80. Concurrent with this suppression of PHA-induced mitogenesis was a decrease in the percentage of T11 lymphocytes.

[学科分类] 儿科学