Vitamin A is important for the development of healthy eyes and lungs. Very low birth weight
premature babies have low body stores of vitamin A and are prone to diseases of the eye and
lungs. Previous work has shown that intramuscular (IM) vitamin A reduces the number of babies
who require prolonged oxygen therapy, and may also reduce the number of babies affected by
retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)). There is also some evidence that the conjunctiva shows
signs of deficiency of vitamin A in premature infants, particularly those who develop ROP.
Our own work here in Glasgow suggests that, compared to babies born at full term, premature
babies' eyes are less sensitive to light and we believe that this may reflect shortage of
vitamin A in the eye. This study will examine the effects upon the eye of giving extra
intramuscular vitamin A to very low birth weight, premature infants. We will also measure
blood levels of vitamin A and calculate liver stores of this nutrient.