RESUMEN
Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common neonatal problem. Phototherapy and exchange transfusion is the conventional treatment for indirect hyperbilirubinemia. In the treatment of cholestatic liver disorders, Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a bile acid widely used. Few studies have been conducted using UDCA in indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Aim of the study: This study was planned to assess the additive effect of UDCA on reducing indirect hyperbilirubinemia in neonates receiving phototherapy. Material & Methods:This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted among neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia in the neonatal wards of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh from June 2018 to July 2020. Finally, 140 neonates were included in the study. Eligible cases were randomized into two groups by the lottery method. Group A (n=70) received phototherapy and Group B (n=70) received UDCA at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day orally twice daily in addition to phototherapy. Total serum bilirubin levels were measured every 12 hours until serumbilirubinlevel falls below 10 mg/dl and then phototherapy was stopped. Demographic data, clinical features, laboratory parameters, outcome variables, and complications were recorded in a pre-format sheet. CBC with PBF, Total and indirect bilirubin, Blood grouping and Rh and typing, CRP, Reticulocyte count, and Coombs test were obtained at enrolment. Comparison of parameters among themselves was done by unpaired t-test and chi-square test. Analyzed outcomes were: time for resolution of jaundice, total duration of phototherapy, length of hospital stays, and adverse effects of the drug. The two groups did not differ statistically in age, sex or weight. The mean total serum bilirubin level measured at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 hours of treatment in group A was 16.10±1.43, 14.76±1.45, 13.34±1.68, 11.84±1.35, and, 10.57±0.74 respectively, and in the group, B was,15.18±1.63, 13.18±2.25, 11.39±1.56, 9.84±0.81 and, 9.44±0.46 respectively (p<0.001). The mean duration of phototherapy (64.11±10.8 vs. 47.18±7.51 hours, p<0.001) and length of hospital stay (2.80 ±0.40 vs. 2.19±0.39 days, p=<0.001).Conclusion:The inclusion of UDCA as an adjuvant to phototherapy is more effective in reducing indirect hyperbilirubinemia in neonates.
RESUMEN
Background: Acute bronchiolitis is the most common lower respiratory tract infection in young infants and young children. The respiratory syncytial virus is the commonest cause of bronchiolitis. Recently the role of nebulized 3% saline has come into focus. Nebulized adrenaline has also been suggested as another treatment option, its primary role being the reduction of mucosal edema, which is an important part of the disease pathology in bronchiolitis. Objective: To see the effects of nebulized adrenaline in comparison to nebulized 3% hypertonic saline in the treatment of acute bronchiolitis. Material & Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial, carried out in the Department of Pediatrics, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute from October 2017 to March 2020. A total of 90 children from 1 month to 2 years of age of either sex who were diagnosed and admitted with acute bronchiolitis were enrolled. After enrollment, they were randomly assigned to either 3% nebulized hypertonic saline (group A=45) or to the nebulized adrenaline-1:1000 group (group B=45). Monitoring was done by respiratory distress assessment instrument (RDAI) score at 12 hours interval for 1st 24 hours and then 24 hourly till the patient was ready for discharge. The efficacy was determined by assessing clinical severity score/RDAI score and length of hospital stay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version-23.Results:The mean age was found 6.34±3.89 months in group A and 6.06±3.55 months in group B. The majority of patients were males in both groups. All patients had a cough, breathing difficulty, Ronchi, and chest indrawing in both groups. Changes in heart rate were 5.68±6.61/min in group A and 2.86±5.87/min in group B, which was significantly decreasing in group A than in group B. Mean clinical severity scores at 12 hours and at 24 hours were statistically significant (p<0.05). However, mean clinical severity scores at baseline, at 48 hours, at 72 hours, and at 96 hours were not statistically significant. The mean duration of oxygen therapy was found 15.00±5.36 hours in group A and 24.63±11.64 hours in group B. Which indicates that the duration of oxygen therapy was significantly higher in group B than in group A. Majority of the patients of group A and group B were discharged within 72 hours 39(86.7%) and 28(62.2%) respectively, which was statistically significant.Conclusions:Nebulization with 3% hypertonic saline significantly reduced clinical severity score and length of hospital stay in case of acute bronchiolitis in comparison to nebulized adrenaline.