Interactions between phototherapy-induced free radicals and membrane phospholipids in the jaundiced neonate

Objective: To disclose interactions between free radicals and membrane phospholipids in jaundiced neonates under phototherapy. Design and Method: Membrane total phospholipids were assessed in 24 jaundiced, exclusively breast fed term babies by Takayama method using Technicon RA-1000; serum vitamin E level by Martinek method. Serum vitamin E was also assessed in ten normal controls. Results: Mean (± SEM) red cell membrane total phospholipids (mg/cell x 10-10): before, 3.47 ± 0.04; after 48 h blue-light phototherapy, 3.20 ± 0.03. Decrease was relative (p > 0.05). Serum vitamin E (mg/dl) levels: before, 0.50 ± 0.20; after phototherapy, 0.80 ± 0.25 and controls, 1.24 ± 0.08. Differences were significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Photohemolizing effect seems to be compensated by breast milk in full-term hyperbilirubinemic babies; preterm babies fed on especially formulated milk but of lower bioavailability or on total parenteral nutrition would be expected at risk and needs to be monitored regularly.