BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice refers to yellow coloration of the skin and the 
sclera (whites of the eyes) of newborn babies that result from the accumulation 
of bilirubin in the skin and mucous membranes. Because bilirubin is potentially 
toxic to the central nervous system. Genetic disorders of bilirubin conjugation, 
particularly the common Gilbert's syndrome, can also contribute to neonatal 
hyperbilirubinemia.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the lipid per-oxidation and 
antioxidant enzyme activities in patients with neonatal jaundice before and 
after phototherapy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes 50 neonatal jaundice patients with 
average age 2-15 days. All patients of neonatal jaundice receiving phototherapy 
except feeding, cleaning. Subjects selected were from the patients attending 
Pediatrics Department. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), erythrocyte glutathione 
peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase and catalase (CAT) to monitor the 
bilirubin level.
RESULTS: The results show increased levels of bilirubin compared with controls 
(P < 0.001) shows the level of plasma MDA in control, before and after 
phototherapy. Represents the level of GPX was significantly increased in after 
the phototherapy group when compared with before phototherapy and control SPSS 
soft ware: (P < 0.001). Shows the reduced glutathione (GSH) level in plasma was 
significantly decreased in the after phototherapy group when compared with 
before phototherapy and control (P < 0.001). And finally with ascorbic acid and 
CAT.
CONCLUSION: It is evident from the study that increased oxidative stress in 
neonatal jaundice babies leads to decrease in the levels of antioxidants like 
GSH and ascorbic acid and disturb their metabolism, that weaken their ability to 
fight the growing stress. Intense oxidative stress and decreased antioxidants 
may contribute to neural cell death and alter the erythrocytomembrane structure 
processing in neonatal jaundice.