Efficacy Of Probiotic With Phototherapy Versus Phototherapy Alone For Treatment Of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is the result of alterations in the bilirubin metabolism. Phototherapy is recommended but its effects are limited and adverse reactions can occur. Aims: Current project was aimed to compare the efficacy of probiotics with phototherapy versus phototherapy alone for treatment of neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia. Methodology: This RCT was held at Pediatrics Department Ittifaq Hospital, Lahore. It enrolled 308 patients following ethical approval from hospital. In group-A (n=154) all patients was treated with probiotic and standard phototherapy and in Group-B (n=154) all patients was treated with standard phototherapy alone. With the help of trained staff nurses a blood sample of 5 ml in aseptic measures was drawn at 4^th and 7^th day of treatment to assess serum bilirubin levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Group-A demonstrated a significantly higher efficacy (94.8%) compared to Group-B (78.6%) with p-value of <0.001. Baseline variables, including age, gender and gestational age, were comparable between groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that addition of Probiotics with Phototherapy had higher efficacy as compared to Phototherapy alone. Thus it is recommended that Probiotics may be added to reduce the risk of bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction and reduce the risk of probability of death.