MULTICENTER TRIAL OF D-ALPHA-TOCOPHERYL POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL-1000 SUCCINATE FOR TREATMENT OF VITAMIN-E-DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC CHOLESTASIS

Background: Malabsorption and deficiency of vitamin E causing neurological degeneration are common consequences of chronic childhood cholestatic liver disease. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) in correcting vitamin E deficiency in children with chronic cholestasis who were unresponsive to other forms of oral vitamin E. Methods: Sixty vitamin E-deficient children with chronic cholestasis unresponsive to 70-212 IU · kg-1 · day-1 of oral vitamin E were entered into a trial at eight centers in the United States. After initial evaluation, treatment was started with 25 IU · kg-1 · day-1 of TPGS. Vitamin E status, neurological function quantitated by a specific scoring system, and clinical and biochemical parameters were monitored during therapy. Results: All children responded to TPGS with normalization of vitamin E status. Neurological function, which had deteriorated before entry in the trial, improved in 25 patients, stabilized in 27, and worsened in only 2 after a mean of 2.5 years of therapy. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions: TPGS (20-25 IU · kg-1 · day-1) appears to be a safe and effective form of vitamin E for reversing or preventing vitamin E deficiency during chronic childhood cholestasis. © 1993.