Serial serum copper concentrations in premature and SGA infants during the first 3 months of life
1981
Hillman, Laura S.
Normative data on serum copper and ceruloplasmin were collected for 57 premature infants and 25 small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants at 3-week intervals for the first 3-4 months of life, and 17 term infants at birth and 1 week. The infants were fed a copper containing formula. Mothers had elevated serum copper concentrations at delivery; all infants had low cord serum copper, and experienced a significant serum copper increase in the first week. Higher serum concentrations were noted for SGA infants. Premature infants had a significant increase of serum copper and ceruloplasmin at 12 weeks. The age of increase was inversely related to gestational age. Term infants attain normal adult serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels by one month, but delays of up to 4 months are seen in premature infants, suggesting that the maturation of the liver and gastrointestinal tract significantly influence the ability of the infant to increase serum copper and ceruloplasmin.
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