Riboflavin as a potential new therapeutic agent for perinatal encephalopathies caused by cerebral oxygen deprivation.

Objective

This letter to the editor presents suggestions for the therapeutic use of riboflavin in perinatal brain lesions caused by oxygen deprivation.

Methods

Clinical and preclinical studies using riboflavin conjugated with other components for the treatment of cerebral oxygen deprivation were included in the discussion.

Results

Oxygen deprivation is predisposed by anoxia, hypoxia, or ischemia and causes severe early central damage, including sensorimotor impairment. At the moment, these lesions lack effective and affordable therapies. We present studies demonstrating the neuroprotective effects of riboflavin-containing drugs to treat children affected by hypoxic perinatal injuries.Discussion: This article suggests conducting preclinical studies to elucidate the potential isolated effects of riboflavin on the pathogenesis of perinatal brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation, by presenting routes for future clinical strategies for the prevention or treatment of perinatal encephalopathies.