The Therapeutic Effect of Zinc Sulfate on Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Background: Approximately 60% of term neonates and 80% of preterm ones suffer from hyperbilirubinemia in their first week of life. This study sought to characterize the therapeutic effect of oral zinc sulfate on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 70 term neonates with total serum bilirubin (TSB) level ≥ 20 mg/dl were enrolled. Thirty-four cases were treated with phototherapy and zinc (10 mg/day, single dose) as case, while the remainder received phototherapy plus placebo. TSB level was measured at the onset of the intervention, as well as 12, 24 and 48 h after the intervention and compared with each other. Results: The mean TSB levels were significantly lower in the zinc group after 12, 24 and 48 h (P=0.038, 0.005, 0.001, respectively). The mean durations of phototherapy in the case and control groups were 2.03±0.174 and 2.33±0.478 days, respectively, being significantly less in the case group (P=0.002). Conclusion: This study revealed that oral zinc sulfate at a single dose of 10 mg/day diminished TSB level and duration of phototherapy.