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Does Ibuprofen increase neonatal hyperbilirubinemia?

Enrico Zecca1, Costantino Romagnoli, Maria Pia De Carolis

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital A Gemelli, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. enrizecca@rm.unicatt.it

Pediatrics
|July 22, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Ibuprofen exposure in preterm infants was linked to higher bilirubin levels and increased need for phototherapy. This suggests a potential impact on infant jaundice management and treatment duration.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Ibuprofen is used to prevent patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.
  • Hyperbilirubinemia is a common concern in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between ibuprofen exposure and hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective comparison of 418 infants receiving ibuprofen prophylaxis (2000-2007) versus 288 infants not exposed (1993-1999).
  • Infants were all less than 30 weeks of gestation.

Main Results:

  • The ibuprofen group showed significantly higher peak total serum bilirubin levels (9.0 vs 7.3 mg/dL).
  • Increased need for and duration of phototherapy was observed in the ibuprofen group.
  • No significant differences were found in gestational age, birth weight, G6PD deficiency, hypoalbuminemia, hemolytic isoimmunization, or exchange-transfusion rates.

Conclusions:

  • Ibuprofen administration is associated with elevated peak total serum bilirubin levels in preterm infants.
  • This can lead to more pronounced hyperbilirubinemia and necessitate longer phototherapy.
  • Competition in the hepatic glucuronidation pathway is a potential mechanism.
Abstract

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