Hydrogen Peroxide Toxicity and Detoxification in the Erythrocytes of Newborn Infants

The deleterious effects on erythrocytes of low steady-state concentrations of H₂O₂ in vitro have been compared in samples from full-term and premature infants and adults. Methemoglobin and Heinz bodies were formed to a greater degree in the intact erythrocytes of the young subjects. In the absence of protective enzymes, however, the extent of oxidation was similar in hemoglobin prepared from cord blood and from adult blood, respectively.

Activity of the enzymes involved in the detoxification of H₂O₂ has been measured in the red blood cells of the aforementioned groups of subjects. Of note was the finding of significantly decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase in the full-term newborn and premature infants.

These findings of increased toxicity from H₂O₂ and decreased efficiency of the detoxification mechanisms are considered to have bearing on the susceptibility of young subjects to drug-induced hemolytic anemia.