Levels of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Plasma Peroxides and Oxidative Stress Index In Neonatal Jaundice in Calabar, Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice (NJ) also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborns characterized by the yellowing of the sclera. It occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in a baby’s blood. Oxidative stress and G6PD has been implicated in neonatal jaundice particularly during therapy and may be useful as a potential therapeutic target in NJ. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the relationship between Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Plasma Peroxide and Oxidative Stress Index in neonates with jaundice. Methods: Sixty (60) neonates aged 1-28 days, thirty (30) jaundiced neonates and thirty (30) apparently healthy neonates as control were recruited for the study. Ethical approval was obtained (CRS/MH/HREC/2024/VOL.2/062). Informed consent was obtained from care givers. The total bilirubin (TB), conjugated bilirubin (CB), unconjugated bilirubin (UB), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was determined using colorimetric methods. Anthropometric indices were obtained using standard methods. Data generated was analyzed using Student’s t-test, ANOVA, Post hoc analysis and the Pearson’s correlation at p<0.05. Results: TAC, TPP and weight (Wt) were significantly higher in neonates without jaundice (p<0.05) while G6PD, OSI, TB, CB and UB were about 3-fold significantly higher (p<0.05) in jaundiced neonates. A significant positive correlation was observed between TB and G6PD (r=0.926, p< 0.001), TB and OSI (r=0.854, p<0.001) in neonates with jaundice. Conclusion: These findings suggest increased oxidative stress as a result of hyperbilirubineamia thus, exacerbating the condition.