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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Total oxidant/antioxidant status in jaundiced newborns before and after phototherapy
1Children's Hospital at Sanliurfa, Sanliurfa, Turkey. ayciceka@hotmail.com
Insights
Phototherapy for newborn jaundice may negatively impact the oxidant/antioxidant balance. While malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased, other markers indicated increased oxidative stress in infants.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hyperbilirubinemia is common in term newborns.
- Oxidative stress plays a role in neonatal conditions.
- Phototherapy is a standard treatment for neonatal jaundice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of phototherapy on serum oxidant and antioxidant markers in term newborns with jaundice.
- To investigate changes in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) during phototherapy.
Main Methods:
- Studied 34 term infants (3-10 days old) undergoing phototherapy.
- Assessed serum antioxidants (Vitamin C, uric acid, albumin, thiol, total bilirubin) and oxidants (malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxide, TOS, OSI).
Main Results:
- Phototherapy led to decreased Vitamin C, uric acid, total bilirubin, and MDA.
- Serum TOS, lipid hydroperoxide, and OSI levels significantly increased post-phototherapy.
- Positive correlation observed between total bilirubin and MDA levels.
Conclusions:
- Phototherapy may disrupt the oxidant-antioxidant balance in jaundiced newborns.
- Despite MDA reduction, phototherapy appears to increase oxidative stress risk.
- Further research is needed to understand long-term implications.
Objective:
To assess the effect of phototherapy on serum oxidant and antioxidant status in hyperbilirubinemic full-term newborns.
Method:
Thirty-four full-term infants from 3 to 10 days of age exposed to phototherapy were studied. The serum antioxidant status was assessed by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and individual antioxidant components: vitamin C, uric acid, albumin, thiol contents and total bilirubin. The oxidant status was assessed by determining the total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and individual oxidant components: malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid hydroperoxide levels.
Results:
Vitamin C, uric acid, total bilirubin and MDA concentration were significantly lower, whereas serum TOS, lipid hydroperoxide and OSI levels were significantly higher after phototherapy (p < 0.05). There were significant positive correlations between serum total bilirubin and MDA (r = 0.434, p = 0.001).
Conclusions:
Although the MDA level was reduced after phototherapy, phototherapy has a negative impact on numerous parts of the oxidant/antioxidant defense system in jaundiced full-term newborns, exposing them to potential oxidative stress.
