الفهرس 
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Abstract
In neonates, jaundice generally results from an imbalance between the production and conjugation of bilirubin.
About 1 out of 2 of term and 8 out of 10 of preterm babies develop jaundice, which generally appears 2 to 4 days after birth, and resolves spontaneously after 7-14 days.
Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element with various biological effects depending on its catalytic and structural role in an enormous number of enzymes and ”Zn-finger” proteins.
The chemical structure of bilirubin has the potential to chelate metal ions, such as zinc. As a result, bilirubin reduction by phototherapy may cause an increase in serum zinc levels. In this situation, additional zinc supplementation may bring about zinc toxicity. (72) (71)
This study aimed to measure serum zinc level before and after phototherapy in hospitalized hyperbilirubinemic newborns underwent phototherapy. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on 85 neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia admitted in newborn unit of Dar Ismaeel Hospital.
The studied newborns were divided into two groups: group Ӏ (who had TSB <18) and their number was 61, while group ӀӀ (who had TSB ≥18) and their number was 24.
Inclusion criteria:
Full-term, appropriate for gestational age and exclusively breast fed newborns who admitted for evaluation and treatment of non-hemolytic jaundice via phototherapy.
Exclusion criteria:
Newborns who:
1. Had undergone exchange transfusion.
2. Had been formula fed.
3. Had any congenital malformation, cholestasis, inborn errors of metabolism, proven sepsis or infection.
4. Had jaundice in the first 24 hours of life.
5. Whose mothers had a history of diabetes.
The studied neonates were subjected to complete history taking (gestational age, age on admission, mode of delivery and duration of therapy), clinical examination (vital signs, weight, length and head circumference) and laboratory investigations (TSB, direct and indirect, CBC and total serum zinc levels before and after phototherapy).