Mandlecha TH, Mundada SM, Gire PK, Reddy N, Khaire P, Joshi T, Pawar S. Effect of Oral Zinc Supplementation on Serum Bilirubin Levels in Term Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia Undergoing Phototherapy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial.
Indian Pediatr 2023;
60:991-995. [PMID:
37700584]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
Background: Enterohepatic bilirubin circulation is one of the determinants of neonatal jaundice.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of oral zinc in reducing serum bilirubin in term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.
STUDY DESIGN
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
PARTICIPANTS
106 term neonates with jaundice within the phototherapy range admitted to a level III neonatal intensive care unit.
INTERVENTION
Neonates were randomized and allocated to receive either oral zinc sulfate (5 mg/day) or matching placebo for 5 days. Both groups received conventional phototherapy as per American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.
OUTCOMES
Primary: Reduction in total serum bilirubin levels at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hr after intervention. Secondary: Duration of phototherapy, and hospital stay.
RESULTS
The mean (SD) total serum bilirubin levels in zinc and placebo groups were 15.3 (2.85) vs 17.1 (2.21) mg/dL (MD 1.74; P<0.001) at 24 h; 11.7 (4.46) vs. 14.62 (3.83) mg/dL (MD 2.89; P<0.001) at 48 h; 6.7 (4.77) vs 9.5 (3.70) mg/dL (MD 2.79; P <0.001) at 72 h; and 5.1 (3.95) vs 6.5 (3.70) mg/dL (MD 1,49; P=0.045) after 72 hr, respectively. The mean (SD) duration of phototherapy was significantly lower in zinc group than placebo group [ 53.42 (19.62) vs 71.4 (19.43) h; P<0.001]. There was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups [mean (SD) 81.05 (19.43) vs 86.25 (20.02) h; P= 0.227].
CONCLUSION
Oral zinc sulfate supplementation at a dose of 5 mg once a day along with phototherapy significantly reduced total and indirect serum bilirubin levels and also reduced the total duration of phototherapy required in the term neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, with minimal or no adverse effects.
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