Biology of Bilirubin Photoisomers.

Abstract

Phototherapy is the main treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. In acute treatment of extreme hyperbilirubinemia, intensive phototherapy may have a role in 'detoxifying' the bilirubin molecule to more polar photoisomers, which should be less prone to crossing the blood-brain barrier, providing a 'brain-sparing' effect. This article reviews the biology of bilirubin isomers. Although there is evidence supporting the lower toxicity of bilirubin photoisomers, there are studies showing the opposite. There are methodologic weaknesses in most studies and better-designed experiments are needed. In an infant acutely threatened by bilirubin-induced brain damage, intensified phototherapy should be used expediently and aggressively.

• Authors: Thor Willy Ruud Hansen
• Journal: Clinics in perinatology (Clin Perinatol) Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 277-90 (Jun 2016) ISSN: 1557-9840 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 27235207 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Bilirubin

Topics

• Bilirubin (metabolism)
• Blood-Brain Barrier (metabolism)
• Humans
• Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal (metabolism, therapy)
• In Vitro Techniques
• Infant, Newborn
• Isomerism
• Jaundice, Neonatal (metabolism, therapy)
• Phototherapy