Efficacy of Zinc in Reducing Hyperbilirubinemia Among High Risk Neonates - A Double Blind Randomized Trial
- Registration Number
- NCT00692224
- Lead Sponsor
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of 10 mg of oral zinc given daily between days 2 and 7 of life to term or near term neonates with serum bilirubin levels of more than 6 mg/dL at 24 ± 6 hours of life on hyperbilirubinemia and phototherapy.
- Detailed Description
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem occurring in nearly 5-25% neonates.Inhibition of enterohepatic circulation is one of the therapies being tried for neonatal jaundice. Studies have suggested that in a neonate, the postulated enterohepatic pathway is of a magnitude that could be significant in the overall body economy of bilirubin.Zinc has also been investigated for its role in decreasing the STB levels by inhibiting enterohepatic circulation. There have been animal studies which have investigated the role of zinc in decreasing the serum bilirubin levels. The mechanism proposed is that zinc salts precipitate Unconjugated bilirubin from unsaturated micellar solution of bile salts and consequently inhibit the enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin. This is the first study to evaluate the role of zinc in neonatal jaundice.
Study Design: In this randomized placebo controlled clinical trial neonates born at ≥35 wk of gestation and with total serum bilirubin ≥6mg% were given either zinc gluconate (n = 148) or placebo (n = 146) in a dose of 10mg per day between days 2 and 7 of life. Jaundice was assessed clinically and total serum bilirubin estimated using spectrophotometry. Infants were followed up clinically until discharge and then again at day 7 of life. Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as total serum bilirubin ≥15mg%.
Results: Incidence of hyperbilirubinemia was comparable in zinc and placebo groups (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.50-1.67, p=0.92). The requirement of phototherapy was similar in the two groups (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.41-1.61, p=0.55). The mean hours of phototherapy in the zinc group were also similar in the two groups (p=0.63). No significant difference with respect to mean levels of bilirubin (mg/dL) at 72±12 hours of age was observed in two groups(zinc 11.3±3.3,placebo 11.5±3.8,p=0.63). No significant adverse effects of zinc were noted.
Conclusion: Twice daily zinc administration in a dose of 10 mg/day does not reduce hyperbilirubinemia in at risk neonates in the first week of life.
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Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- COMPLETED
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 294
- Neonates born at ≥35 weeks gestation and with total serum bilirubin ≥ 6 mg/dL at 24±6 h of life.
- Rh incompatibility
- Those given exchange transfusion/ phototherapy within 24 h of age.
- Major gross congenital anomaly
- Anticipated to require neonatal intensive care or required neonatal intensive care for more than 24 h.
- Systemic sepsis
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- PARALLEL
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description 2 placebo placebo group received placebo which was identical in color, taste and appearance and packaged in similar looking bottles. 1 zinc gluconate study group received zinc gluconate in a dose of 10 mg/day
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Incidence of hyperbilirubinemia defined as total serum bilirubin more than or equal to 15 mg/dL at anytime between days 2 and 7 of life. first week of life
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method The mean total serum bilirubin level at 72±12 hours of age. first two weeks of life The proportion of infants requiring phototherapy and the duration thereof first two weeks of life
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
All India Institute Of Medical Sciences
🇮🇳New Delhi, Delhi, India