A Study of Zinc Supplementation for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dr. Mani Shankar; Dr. Ashok Kumar

Volume : VIII, Issue : III, March - 2019

A Study of Zinc Supplementation for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Dr. Mani Shankar, Dr. Ashok Kumar

Abstract :

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of oral zinc for treatment of idiopathic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in near–term and term (35–41 weeks) neonates. Design: Randomized placebo–controlled trial. Setting: Pediatrics Department of DMCH Participants: Eighty newborns with idiopathic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Intervention: Neonates were randomized to receive either oral zinc sulfate (10 mg/d) or placebo for 7 days. Main outcome measures: Primary: total serum bilirubin levels at48 (±12) h, 96 (±12) h and 144 (±12) h after intervention. Secondary: duration of phototherapy, and serum zinc and copper levels. Results: Baseline mean (SD) total serum bilirubin levels were14.8 (3.8) and 14.4 (3.5) mg/dL in zinc and placebo groups, respectively. No significant differences were observed in total bilirubin levels between the two groups after the intervention. Mean (SD) total serum bilirubin levels in zinc and placebo groupswere 13.9 (2.5) vs. 13.4 (1.9) mg/dL (mean difference 0.566; 95%CI –0.535, 1.668, P=0.038) at 48 h, 13.1 (2.7) vs. 12.8 (2.3) mg/dL(mean difference 0.234; 95% CI –1.011, 1.479, P =0.708) at 96 hand 8.0 (2.0) vs. 8.6 (1.2) mg/dL (mean difference –0.569, 95% CI–1.382, 0.242, P=0.166) at 144 h. Although the mean duration of phototherapy in the zinc group was less by 21.3 h (95% CI 11.6,30.9, P=0.052), the difference was not significant. Post intervention, serum zinc levels were significantly higher in thezinc–supplemented group while serum copper levels were comparable between the two groups. Conclusions: Oral zinc sulfate, in a dose of 10 mg/day, isnot effective in the management of idiopathic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.