Table 5

Plasma ferroxidase activity and related variables

Ferroxidase activity
(IU/l)
Caeruloplasmin
(μM)
AA
(μM)
AA/caeruloplasmin
(molar ratio)
Preterm infants (n=20)259.0 (68.0–603.0)5-150 5-151 0.7 (0.3–1.9)5-150 5-151 56.6 (13.3–197.8)84.7 (9.9–188.9)5-150 5-151
Full term infants (n=6)587.5 (504.0–624.0)5-150 1.6 (1.3–2.0)57.4 (40.5–70.8)34.8 (30.2–39.3)5-150
Adult controls (n=10)704.0 (640.0–792.0)1.8 (1.5–2.0)38.5 (14.0–61.0)21.9 (7.8–38.9)
  • All values were from samples obtained just before blood transfusion and are expressed as the median (range).

  • 5-150 p < 0.05 v adult controls by the Mann-Whitney U test according to the Kruskal-Wallis test.

  • 5-151 p < 0.05 v full term infants by the Mann-Whitney U test according to the Kruskal-Wallis test.

  • AA = ascorbic acid.