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Is vernix caseosa a protective material to the newborn? A biochemical approach

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Abstract

Twenty random samples of vernix caseosa were collected from immediately born neonates, in Jamahiriya Hospital, Benghazi. Biochemical studies of these samples revealed presence of lipids (62.5%) proteins (36%) and carbohydrate (1.5%). Also we could observe inhibition of staph. aureus and klebsiella growth on nutrient agar by this vemix. This observation could be explained either by its higher asparagine content or by its elevated lipid component. In addition tripalmitin was found to be the major lipid constituent, responsible for its hydrophobic property. So we recommend leaving this vernix layer on newborn skin until spontaneous drying.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Nursing, Al-Arab Medical University Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi, Libya

    Souad M. Baker

  2. Department of Laboratory Medicine & Genetic Research Unit, Al-Arab Medical University Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi, Libya

    Nura N. Balo

  3. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Al-Arab Medical University Faculty of Medicine, Benghazi, Libya

    F. T. Abdel Aziz

Authors
  1. Souad M. Baker
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  2. Nura N. Balo
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  3. F. T. Abdel Aziz
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Baker, S.M., Balo, N.N. & Aziz, F.T.A. Is vernix caseosa a protective material to the newborn? A biochemical approach. Indian J Pediatr 62, 237–239 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02752334

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02752334

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