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Reductive effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on bilirubin levels in neonates on phototherapy

Maduka Donatus Ughasoro1, Gilbert Nwadiaka Adimorah1, Ndubuisi Kennedy Chukwudi2

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria.

Clinical and Experimental Gastroenterology
|September 20, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Adding ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to phototherapy significantly enhances total serum bilirubin (TSB) reduction in neonates. This combination therapy shortens treatment duration and hospital stays for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Phototherapy is a cornerstone treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, characterized by elevated total serum bilirubin (TSB).
  • The potential synergistic effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with phototherapy for high TSB has not been previously investigated in neonates of African descent.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in conjunction with phototherapy for managing high total serum bilirubin (TSB) in neonates.
  • To assess the impact of UDCA on TSB reduction rates and treatment duration.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, controlled study design was employed.
  • Neonates were randomized into two groups: one receiving phototherapy plus UDCA, and a control group receiving phototherapy with a placebo.
  • Total serum bilirubin (TSB) and conjugated bilirubin levels were measured, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Main Results:

  • The UDCA group showed a significantly greater mean percentage reduction in TSB after 24 hours (40.73%) compared to the control group (10.21%) (p=0.001).
  • Mean treatment duration was substantially shorter in the UDCA group (3.0 days) versus the control group (5.5 days) (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) significantly enhances the effectiveness of phototherapy in reducing TSB in neonates.
  • The addition of UDCA to phototherapy shortens treatment duration and reduces the length of inpatient care for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Abstract

Keywords:
neonatal hyperbilirubinemiaphototherapyursodeoxycholic acid

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