The effect of clofibrate and phototherapy on physiological jaundice in term newborns

Background: Clofibrate is an effective anti lipid agent that induces glucuronyltransferase could increase bilirubin conjugation. The aim of this study was to evaluate effect of clofibrate on neonatal physiologic jaundice.

Methods: Randomized clinical trial sampling method used and 60 healthy term neonates which were admitted in Imam Reza Hospital of Kermanshah-Iran because of indirect hyperbilirubinemia enrolled into the study. 30 neonates (case group) were treated with single oral dose of clofibrate (100/mg) plus phototherapy and 30 neonates (control group) received only phototherapy. Serum total and direct bilirubin levels were measured at admission, 12 hours later, and then every 24 hours until 96 hours.

Results: There were no significant difference between two groups regarding to gender, age, weight and total serum bilirubin level at the admission. Mean values for total bilirubin of serum in case group 12, 24 and 48 hours after admission were significantly lower than control group (P<0.001). The mean of needed time for phototherapy in case group was significantly less than the control group (P<0.00l).

Conclusion: It seems that clofibrate plus phototherapy is effective for treatment of neonatal physiologic jaundice in healthy term newborns, although further studies are necessary for evaluation of clofibrate safety as a routine treatments.