Tin-metalloporphyrins: an answer to neonatal jaundice?

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem, affecting 45-60 percent of term infants and up to 80 percent of premature neonates. Phototherapy, the standard treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, is effective but has the potential for adverse effects. Prevention of bilirubin formation, rather than dependence on therapeutic measures to remove excess bile pigment, is a logical alternative. Metalloporphyrins--specifically tin-protoporphyrin (SnPP) and tin-mesoporphyrin (SnMP)--are being used experimentally to prevent and treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This article reports the findings of studies exploring the use of SnPP and SnMP.