Comparing the effect of clofibrate and phenobarbital on the newborns with hyperbilirubinemia

The aim of treating hyperbilirubinemia is preventing the serum bilirubin to reach neurotoxic levels, which is done by phototherapy or blood transfusion. However, pharmacological treatments still remain vague. Therefore the effects of adding either clofibrate or phenobarbital on treatment outcomes was evaluated in icteric non-hemolitic newborns. Ninety neonates were divided in three groups. Two groups were prescribed 100 mg/kg clofibrate or 5 mg/kg phenobarbital orally as single dose on arrival, in addition to phototherapy. The control group only received phototherapy. Serum bilirubin was evaluated at the reception and 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours after beginning of drug therapy. Total bilirubin levels decreased in treated groups compared with the control group in all samples taken (12, 24, 48 and 72 hours). Clofibrate effect in decreasing bilirubin level was more prominent (14 % and 32 % after 12 and 72 h respectively). In addition duration of hospitalization and length of phototherapy decreased in clofibrate and phenobarbital groups compared with control group (1.5, 2 days respectively, vs. 2.6 days). Therefore using clofibrate and phenobarbital in icteric neonates are supportive not only by decreasing the serum bilirubin level, but also by lessening the duration of hospitalization and phototherapy. Thus in addition to cost benefits for the patient these drugs can reduce the risks of transfusion, and clofibrate seems more promising in this regard.