Effect of Erythrocyte Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) Deficiency on Light-Induced Riboflavin Deficiency in the Neonate 1

Summary

Five neonates with moderate hyperbilirubinemia and G-6-PD deficiency underwent phototherapy for periods of 48 to 120 hr. No biochemical evidence of ribo-flavin deficiency resulted. This contrasts with evidence of riboflavin deficiency observed in 15 of 16 infants with moderate hyperbilirubinemia but no G-6-PD deficiency who were exposed to light for periods of 48 hr or longer. The elevated FAD levels of the erythrocyte of the G-6-PD-deficient infants may have protected them from the light-induced vitamin deficiency.