Unusual syndrome among premature infants: association with a new intravenous vitamin E product.

Eight small, premature infants developed an unusual symptom complex of pulmonary deterioration, thrombocytopenia, liver failure, ascites, and renal failure. Five infants died; the health of the other three infants improved and they were discharged from the hospital. This unusual syndrome occurred after introduction of a new intravenous vitamin E product (E-Ferol, alpha-tocopherol acetate) for routine use in the intensive care nursery. Even though no definite conclusion was reached as to its cause, the administration of this intravenous vitamin E product appears to be a significant risk factor.