The effect of Fenofibrate and Antioxidant Vitamins [D, E and C] in Treatment of Uncomplicated Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Introduction: Jaundice is the most common condition that requires medical attention and hospital readmission in newborns. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral use of fenofibrate, vitamin- D and other antioxidant vitamins (E and C) in treatment of full-term neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Patient and Methods: This is a prospective case control study carried on 80 full-term neonates suffering from unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia from January 2015 to May 2016. These neonates were randomly allocated into four groups. Group A; received only phototherapy as controls, group B received single oral dose of fenofibrate suspension in a dose 10 mg/kg beside phototherapy, group C received phototherapy and daily dose of vitamin D (400 IU/24h) and group D received phototherapy , daily dose of vitamin E (4 mg/day) and daily dose of vitamin C(40 mg/day). Results: The mean duration of stay at hospital of fenofibrate group was 2.6±0.7 days shorter than the mean duration of stay at hospital of control group which was 5.05±0.9 days (P value = 0.001*). Vitamin D group shows mean duration of stay at hospital 2.9±0.8 days shorter than that of control group which was 5.05±0.9 days ( P value =0.001*). The mean duration of stay at hospital of vitamin E & C group was 4.7±0.9 days, while mean duration of stay at hospital of control group was 5.05±0.9 days with no statistically significant difference (P value = 0.06). Conclusions: In conclusion, addition of single oral dose of fenofibrate in jaundiced baby receiving phototherapy in the first 24hours of treatment can significantly reduce the serum bilirubin levels in term newborns and duration of phototherapy.