Plasma glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium levels of newborns with jaundice.

The plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and selenium (Se) levels were determined in 31 newborns affected by jaundice (NWJ). The GSH-Px levels of both full-term and premature newborns exhibiting jaundice and having a birthweight lower than 2000 g were significantly low (p < 0.05) when compared to controls. No significant differences were found in the corresponding Se levels, which were similar in all groups and independent of the pregnancy period and birthweight.