The effect of Clofibrate on neonatal jaundice

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common problem in newborn infants and may progress to kernicterus if not treated. The objective of this study was to determine the therapeutic effect of clofibrate in full-term healthy neonates with non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. A randomized clinical trial was performed on two groups of healthy full-term neonates with jaundice. Clofibrate group, (n=50), received a single dose of oral clofibrate (100mg/kg), plus phototherapy, while the control group (n=50), received only phototherapy. The mean plasma total bilirubin levels at 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment were significantly lower in the clofibrate treated group, as compared with the control group (p=0.001). At 48 hours of treatment, 48% of patients in the clofibrate group, had bilirubin levels <12 mg/dl in comparison with 16% of control group (p=0.001). Treatment with clofibrate also resulted in a shorter duration of hospital stay as compared to the control group (p=0.001). A single oral dose of clofibrate (100mg/kg), along with phototherapy is more effective than phototherapy alone in treatment of non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in full-term healthy newborn infants.