RESUMO
Hyperbilirubinemia is a common and in most cases, a benign problem in neonates. Conventional treatment for severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia consists of phototherapy and exchange transfusion. Phototherapy, which is the main treatment modality has its own side effects and it also upsets maternal and fetal interactions. So there is a need for adjuvant therapies to decrease duration of phototherapy and hospital stay. Objective: This study was planned to assess the role of UDCA in decreasing the duration of phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: Study setting: Pediatrics department, Bebe Nanki Mother & Child Care Centre, GMC Amritsar. Participants: 100 newborns with bilirubin levels in phototherapy range. Study design: Double blind, placebo controlled study. Participants were divided into two groups and UDCA (10mg/kg/d) and microcrystalline cellulose were given to group A and group B respectively. Outcome variables: Rate of fall of bilirubin levels in both the groups and total duration of phototherapy needed in both groups. Results: Mean duration of phototherapy was 36.26±8.41 hours in group A and 38.94±9.86 hours in group B. P value was 0.147 that is statistically not significant. Level of fall of bilirubin in both groups at 12hrly intervals were also compared and difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: UDCA administration to the neonates receiving phototherapy does not hasten the fall in bilirubin levels and does not reduce the time of phototherapy significantly.