Prophylactic Effect of Clofibrate on Hyperbilirubinemia in Very Low Birth Weight Twins

Abstract

Aims: To determine the prophylactic effects of clofibrate on hyperbilirubinemia in very low birth weight twins. Study Design: A randomized double blind clinical trial Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neonatal Research Center, Imam Reza Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, between Oct 2010- Sep 2011. Methodology: Forty neonates with very low birth weight (20 pairs of twins) having same blood group and sex were elected. Infants with congenital anomalies, metabolic diseases, hemolytic disease, and infections were excluded. Case group received a single dose of clofibrate 100 mg/kg and control group received sterile water. Both clofibrate and sterile water were administrated through orogastric tube and were the same volume. Serum bilirubin levels were measured before administration, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the administration. Data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA. Results: Total serum bilirubin after clofibrate administration was lower than control group (F= 6.48, P=0.02); however, the duration of phototherapy and hospitalization were not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.39 and 0.91 respectively). No side effects of drug were observed based on the physical exam and liver function tests. Conclusion: These findings suggest that clofibrate maintained total serum bilirubin lower in very low birth weight neonates but without effect on duration of phototherapy and hospitalization.