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Effect of clofibrate in jaundiced full-term infants:a randomized clinical trial

Yadollah Zahedpasha1, Mousa Ahmadpour-Kacho, Mahmood Hajiahmadi

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. yzpasha@yahoo.com

Archives of Iranian Medicine
|July 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Clofibrate significantly reduces total serum bilirubin (TSB) in jaundiced newborns, leading to shorter hospital stays. This study found clofibrate to be a safe and effective treatment for nonhemolytic jaundice in full-term infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Bilirubin Metabolism

Background:

  • Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a prevalent condition that can lead to kernicterus if untreated.
  • Early intervention is crucial for managing severe forms of neonatal jaundice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of clofibrate in full-term neonates presenting with nonhemolytic jaundice.
  • To assess the impact of clofibrate on bilirubin levels and hospitalization duration.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized clinical trial involving 60 full-term jaundiced neonates.
  • Two groups were formed: clofibrate treatment (100 mg/kg oral dose) and a control group receiving a placebo, both under phototherapy.
  • Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were monitored at multiple time points (0, 16, 24, 48, 74 hours).

Main Results:

  • The clofibrate group showed a statistically significant faster decline in total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels compared to the control group after 48 hours (P = 0.047).
  • A higher proportion of neonates in the clofibrate group (83%) were discharged with TSB <10 mg/dL within 72 hours compared to the control group (53%) (P = 0.026).
  • No adverse side effects were observed in the clofibrate-treated infants during hospitalization or follow-up.

Conclusions:

  • Clofibrate administration accelerates the reduction of TSB in full-term neonates with nonhemolytic jaundice.
  • The use of clofibrate leads to a shorter duration of hospitalization for jaundiced newborns.
  • Clofibrate demonstrates a favorable safety profile with no observed side effects in this study population.
Abstract

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