Photodegradation of riboflavin in neonates

Journal Article · Wed Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Fed. Proc., Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6613552

Sisson, T R

The biologically most important flavins are riboflavin and its related nucleotides, all highly sensitive to light. It is because of its photoreactivity and its presence in almost all body fluids and tissues that riboflavin assumes importance in phototherapy of neonatal jaundice. The absorption maxima of both bilirubin and riboflavin in the body are nearly identical: 445-450 (447) nm. In consequence, blue visible light will cause photoisomerization of bilirubin accompanied by photodegradation of riboflavin. This results in diminished erythrocyte glutathione reductase, which indicates generalized tissue riboflavin deficiency and red cell lysis. Single- and double-strand breaks in intracellular DNA have occurred with phototherapy. This light exposure of neonates may result also in alterations of bilirubin-albumin binding in the presence of both riboflavin and theophylline (the latter frequently given to prevent neonatal apnea). Many newborns, especially if premature, have low stores of riboflavin at birth. The absorptive capacity of premature infants for enteral riboflavin is likewise reduced. Consequently, inherently low stores and low intake of riboflavin plus phototherapy for neonatal jaundice will cause a deficiency of riboflavin at a critical period for the newborn. Supplementation to those infants most likely to develop riboflavin deficiency is useful, but dosage, time, and mode of administration to infants undergoing phototherapy must be carefully adjusted to avoid unwanted side effects.

• Research Organization: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, NJ
• OSTI ID: 6613552
• Journal Information: Fed. Proc., Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol.; (United States), Journal Name: Fed. Proc., Fed. Am. Soc. Exp. Biol.; (United States) Vol. 5; ISSN FEPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560120* -- Radiation Effects on Biochemicals
Cells
& Tissue Culture
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AZOLES
BILIRUBIN
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BLOOD
BLOOD CELLS
BODY FLUIDS
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CHEMISTRY
DECOMPOSITION
DNA
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENZYMES
ERYTHROCYTES
HEMOLYSIS
HETEROCYCLIC ACIDS
HETEROCYCLIC COMPOUNDS
JAUNDICE
LYSIS
MATERIALS
NEONATES
NUCLEIC ACIDS
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXIDOREDUCTASES
PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES
PIGMENTS
PYRROLES
RADIATION CHEMISTRY
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATIONS
RIBOFLAVIN
STRAND BREAKS
SYMPTOMS
THERAPY
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VITAMIN B GROUP
VITAMINS