Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid (USDA) on Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia in Neonates Treated with Phototherapy

Objective: To investigate the effect of USDA in the treatment of indirect hyperbilirubinemia of neonates. Study design: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia whom were hospitalized at Ardabil city hospital. 100 newborns were enrolled in the study and randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group (n=50) received 10 mg/kg/day divided q12h USDA in addition to phototherapy, while the control group (n=50) only received phototherapy. Total bilirubin levels were measured every 12 hours until reaching bilirubin below 10mg/dL. Also, duration of phototherapy and hospitalization in both groups were recorded. Data were analyzed in SPSS.21 using statistical methods. Results: There was no difference in the mean of total bilirubin between treatment and control groups at baseline, 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after admission. Conclusions: Our study revealed that adding USDA to phototherapy in treating indirect hyperbilirubinemia of newborns had no preference to just phototherapy treatment.