Reduction of oxidative stress marker in lung fluid of preterm infants after administration of intra-tracheal liposomal glutathione.

BACKGROUND: Low levels of glutathione are associated with subsequent chronic lung disease in preterm infants. Incorporation of glutathione into liposomes offers a method of increasing levels with a prolonged half-life compared with direct inhalation. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical feasibility of administering a single dose of liposomal glutathione and its effectiveness at raising glutathione at 12 and 24 h after treatment. METHODS: Fourteen ventilated preterm infants from the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Liverpool Women's Hospital received 1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg liposomal glutathione intra-tracheally and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected prior to treatment, 12 and 24 h after dosing for glutathione and malondialdehyde estimation. RESULTS: Mean glutathione was initially 12.2 micromol/l, increasing to 52.8 micromol/l at 12 h (p = 0.006). Mean malondialdehyde was initially 265.6 nmol/l decreasing to 11.2 nmol/l at 12 h (p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-tracheal liposomal glutathione instillation offers a feasible method of raising pulmonary glutathione in preterm infants and shows biochemical antioxidant effects.