Taurine: An Essential Amino Acid to Prevent Cholestasis in Neonates?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the evidence that taurine can prevent cholestasis in neonates.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were conducted to identify both animal and human data regarding taurine's role in bile acid conjugation and liver disease (key terms: taurine, children less than two years old).

STUDY SELECTION:

Emphasis was placed on human data supplemented by relevant animal data.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Taurine appears to more effectively conjugate bile acids than glycine, and the end-products of conjugation are more soluble. Taurine deficiency may increase glyco-conjugates of bile acids and result in cholestasis. Although the cause of neonatal cholestasis probably is multifactorial, there are data indicating that adequate taurine may prevent cholestasis in neonates.

CONCLUSIONS:

Taurine should be considered an essential amino acid for neonates and should be included in total parenteral nutrition solutions for these patients.