BLOOD SELENIUM (Se) CONCENTRATIONS IN INFANTS OF DIA-BETIC MOTHERS (IDM)

Since there is a relationship between prostaglandin metabolism, Se and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and diabetics are reported to have low levels of Se and prostacyclin, we have wondered whether some of the problems which occur in IDM (cardiomyopathy and persistent fetal circulation) might be related to Se deficiency. We studied Se in whole blood of IDM (within 1-2 days after birth) and their mothers. The IDM had a birth weight (mean±SD) of 3857±1075 gm, gestational age of 37.8±1.5 wks, 1 and 5 minute Apgar scores of 7.3±2.7 and 8.8±1.7 respectively. Correlation between the maternal and infants' blood Se concentration in IDM group was not significant. Comparison between IDM, normal full term newborn (NB) infants, and the mother of IDM follows: This preliminary study did not find unusually low Se in whole blood of IDM or their mothers, but because of the potential importance of Se in IDM, a larger study is still indicated.