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Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Neonates with Jaundice: Is it Beneficial?
Mohamed S Elfarargy1, Ghada M Al-Ashmawy2, Sally E Abu-Risha3
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
Insights
Zinc supplementation may benefit preterm neonates with jaundice by reducing serum bilirubin levels. This study suggests zinc (Zn) is beneficial for jaundiced preterm infants, potentially preventing complications.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent condition, particularly concerning in preterm infants.
- High indirect bilirubin levels can lead to severe neurological damage, including kernicterus.
- Early intervention is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of zinc (Zn) supplementation in managing jaundice in preterm neonates.
- To determine if Zn supplementation offers a beneficial effect in reducing serum bilirubin levels.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized clinical trial involving 200 preterm neonates with jaundice.
- Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving zinc (Zn) and phototherapy, the other receiving phototherapy alone.
- Zinc was administered orally at 1.2 mg elemental zinc/kg/day for 10 days.
Main Results:
- Serum bilirubin levels showed no significant difference between groups on days 2, 4, and 6.
- A significant decrease in serum bilirubin was observed in the zinc-supplemented group on days 8, 9, and 10 (p < 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Zinc (Zn) administration is beneficial in lowering serum bilirubin levels in preterm neonates with jaundice.
- Zn supplementation is recommended for preterm infants experiencing jaundice.
Background:
Neonatal jaundice is a common neonatal disease that has adverse effects on neonates, especially preterm neonates, when indirect bilirubin level is adequately high to pass the blood-brain barrier, causing bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate the value of zinc (Zn) supplementation in preterm neonates with jaundice and whether it will be beneficial.
Patients And Methods:
A prospective randomized clinical trial, with the identification number TCTR20200504007, was conducted at Tanta University Hospital from July 2016 to March 2018 on 200 preterm neonates with jaundice. The studied neonates were divided into two groups: group 1, which received Zn and phototherapy, and group 2, which received phototherapy only and did not receive Zn. In group 1, 100 preterm neonates with jaundice received Zn as 0.6 mL (cm3) of zinc origin/kg/day orally through the oro-nasogastric tube divided into two doses (every 12 h), which was equal to 1.2 mg elemental zinc/kg/day orally for 10 days.
Results:
There was no significant difference in serum bilirubin level between the two groups on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days of admission, while the serum bilirubin level was significantly decreased in group 1 compared with that in group 2 only on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of admission. The p-- values were 0.045*, 0.027*, and 0.004*, respectively.
Conclusion:
Zn administration to preterm neonates with jaundice was found to be beneficial in decreasing serum bilirubin level.
Recommendation:
Zn supplementation should be provided to preterm neonates with jaundice.
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