الفهرس 
N EONATAL JAUNDICEOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 130 |  |  |
| | | from | 130 | | |
Abstract
Background: Zinc salts have been tried for prevention and treatment of neonatal jaundice as they are presumed to reduce serum bilirubin through inhibition of enterohepatic circulation with controversial results.
Objective: to evaluate the effect of oral zinc sulfate administration on bilirubin level and phototherapy duration in neonatal jaundice.
Methods: Sixty neonates (≥36 weeks’ gestation) with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia indicating phototherapy, were classified into 3 groups: group A (n=20) received placebo, group B (n=20) received oral zinc sulfate 10 mg/day and group C (n=20) received oral zinc sulfate 20 mg/day, in combination with phototherapy and over a duration of 7 days. Serum bilirubin levels were measured before starting phototherapy (day0), and were reevaluated on day3 and day7.
Results: Initial (day0) serum bilirubin levels were comparable in the 3 groups (18.98±1.12, 18.37±1.50 and 18.12±1.57 mg% in groups A, B and C, p>0.05, respectively). Day3 bilirubin was significantly lower in group C compared to groups A and B (12.36±2.50 vs. 13.99±1.59 & 13.65±1.67 mg%, p<0.011 & p<0.043, respectively). Day7 bilirubin demonstrated further significant lowering in group C than groups A (8.03±1.75 vs. 10.47±2.24 mg%, p<0.001). Moreover, the total duration required for phototherapy was significantly shorter in group C compared to groups A and B (26.05 ± 11.42 vs. 37.70±18.27 and 36.90±12.47 hours, p<0.032 & p<0.028, respectively).
Conclusion: Administration of oral zinc sulfate in a dose of 20 mg/day in combination with phototherapy could be helpful in reducing both bilirubin level and phototherapy duration in jaundiced neonates.