Efficacy Of Probiotics In Reducing The Severity And Duration Of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

A Randomized Controlled Trial(RCT)

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the mean reduction in bilirubin and mean duration of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with probiotics in comparison with phototherapy alone for the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Study design: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Place and duration of study: Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology PAF Hospital, Islamabad from the period of April 20, 2024, to October 19th, 2024.

Methodology: A randomized clinical trial was carried out including a total number of 160 neonates, meeting the selection criteria. They were randomly divided into two groups of 80 neonates each by simple random sampling method. Group A (80 neonates) was given probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri) and phototherapy (wavelength 420-450 nm) while Group B (80 neonates) was administered phototherapy alone. Dynamic serum bilirubin measurements were done serially including the baseline followed by 12, 24, and 48 hours.

Results: The mean reduction of bilirubin was 8.3 mg/dL (SD ± 1.2) in Group A and 6.5 mg/dL (SD ± 1.5) in Group B, which was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The average phototherapy duration was 2.4 days (SD ± 0.6) in Group A compared to 3.7 days (SD ± 1.0) in Group B and was statistically significant p=0.02.

Conclusions: Probiotics in combination with phototherapy are more effective in treating neonatal jaundice by decreasing the level of bilirubin and shortening the length of treatment compared to phototherapy alone.