GLYCERIN AND FREE FATTY ACIDS IN BLOOD PLASMA OF HYPOTROPHIC NEWBORNS

During the first two days after birth glycerol, free fatty acids and glucose were determined in plasma respectively blood in 10 hypotrophic newborns (birthweight under 2,500 g and with a normal length of pregnancy). Immediately after birth glycerol and free fatty acids are increasing, the level of glycerol being higher than in premature newborns with a comparable birthweight. The increase of free fatty acids is not significant. It was found that at a lower body temperature the level of fatty acids is lower in the first hours after birth, whereas at a normal body temperature the fatty acid levels are increased. There were no significant changes in the blood glucose levels. Already the first measured dates are low in hypotrophic newborns. The elimination of intravenously applied glycerol was determined. In comparison with premature newborns and those with normal weight the glycerol elimination is accelerated. This can be taken as an increased utilisation. It is discussed how much endogenously produced glycerol (hydrolysis of triglycerides) in the metabolism of hypotrophic newborns is used directly as a source of energy. Especially the supply of the brain with energy is very jeopardized in hypotrophic newborns, since they have only very little sources of energy at birth available. © 1968 Springer-Verlag.