[The use of vitamin E in childhood].

The essential effects of Tocopherol are based on its antioxidative capacity. Tocopherol, however, is just one in a group of antioxidants, which are important for the organism. Established indication for therapeutical application of vitamin E in infancy is only vitamin-E-malabsorption in connection with chronic cholestasis, pancreatic insufficiency (cystic fibrosis) and short bowel syndrome. In emergency therapy vitamin E is suggested with high dosage in case of shock lung and haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. Positive effects of daily vitamin E application in connection with prophylaxis of retinopathy prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intraventricular encephalorrhagia of premature infants of severe underweight are not established. Very questionable therapeutic or prophylactic efficiency is opposed to the risk of higher incidence of severe complications in caring for premature infants of severe underweight, such as enterocolitis necroticans and neonatal septicaemia.