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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
13:13

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia

Published on: August 24, 2011

Antioxidant vitamins and hyperbilirubinemia in neonates

Khalid K Abdul-Razzak1, Mohamad K Nusier, Ahmad D Obediat

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Irbid, Jordan. kkalani@just.edu.jo

German Medical Science : GMS E-Journal
|August 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Low plasma levels of vitamin C and vitamin E are linked to severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in full-term infants. These findings highlight the importance of antioxidant status in newborn jaundice management.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborns.
  • Antioxidant systems may play a role in the development and severity of neonatal jaundice.
  • Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity is crucial for red blood cell protection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma vitamin E and C levels and the severity of hyperbilirubinemia.
  • To examine this relationship in full-term neonates with normal G6PD activity.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 130 full-term neonates with normal G6PD activity was studied.
  • Plasma levels of total bilirubin, vitamin E, and vitamin C were measured on day one of life.
  • Routine blood analyses, including hemoglobin and hematocrit, were performed.

Main Results:

  • Neonates with significant hyperbilirubinemia had markedly lower plasma vitamin C (P=0.0001) and vitamin E (P=0.001) levels compared to those without.
  • Lower hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were also observed in neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
  • No significant differences in gestational age or birth weight were found between groups.

Conclusions:

  • Low plasma concentrations of vitamins C and E are significantly associated with increased severity of hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for antioxidant vitamins in preventing or managing neonatal jaundice.
Abstract

Keywords:
hyperbilirubinemianewbornvitamin Cvitamin E

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