Effects of bilirubin and phototherapy on osmotic fragility and haematoporphyrin-induced photohaemolysis of normal erythrocytes and spherocytes. -

AIM: To study the effects of phototherapy on erythrocyte haemolysis in vitro and to determine possible differences in sensitivity to phototherapy between normal erythrocytes and spherocytes.
CONCLUSION: Bilirubin may make the plasma membrane of normal erythrocytes more fragile. Newborns with hereditary spherocytosis may be sensitive to phototherapy.