The Role of Zinc in Neonatal Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Background  :  Neonatal  jaundice  is  the  most  common  condition  of newborn that require medical evaluation and treatment and it is one of the main causes of parental concern and worries. It is defined as a yellowish discoloration of skin and mucous membrane during the neonatal period.  Aim :This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Zinc sulfate on decreasing the morbidity in neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia.  
Pateint and method : A case control study was performed at Salahaldeen general  hospital.  Seventy  five  patients  with  neonatal  indirect hyperbilirubinemia were selected as a (case group) who administered zinc sulfate in a dose of 10 mg/day for two days in addition to other seventy five patients as a (control group) without zinc therapy. Estimation of indirect bilirubin level at admission, 12, 24, and 48 hrs. following admission and compared with each other.  
Results : The results show that the mean of indirect bilirubin level, 24 and 48 hrs. after therapy, was highly significant lower in the study group when compared with the control group. The higher proportion of neonates who received zinc therapy were hospitalized for 48 hours or less, with highly significant association between receiving oral zinc therapy and the duration of hospitalization. More than three quarters of neonates who underwent blood exchange  procedure,  did  not  receive  zinc  therapy  with  a  statistically significant association between blood exchange and the administration of zinc therapy.  
Conclusion: Administration of 10 mg/day of zinc sulfate for two days was significantly reduced indirect serum bilirubin level and decreased the total needed duration for hospitalization as well as the need for blood exchange in patients having severe neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia.