EFFECT OF ORAL ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON SERUM BILIRUBIN LEVELS IN NEONATES UNDERGOING PHOTOTHERAPY: AN OPEN-LABEL RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia affects 60–80% of newborns and may lead to serious complications if untreated. Phototherapy is the standard treatment, but adjuncts like zinc may reduce enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of oral zinc supplementation on serum bilirubin levels and duration of phototherapy in neonates. Methods: An open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary care hospital over 18 months. A total of 100 neonates (≥35 weeks gestation) requiring phototherapy were randomized into two groups: phototherapy + zinc (5 mg/day) and phototherapy + placebo. Serum bilirubin levels were measured daily, and duration of phototherapy and hospital stay were recorded. Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable. There was no significant difference in serum bilirubin levels between groups on day 1, 2, or 3 (p>0.05). However, the zinc group had significantly shorter phototherapy duration (p=0.041) and reduced hospital stay (p=0.043). Conclusion: Oral zinc supplementation does not significantly reduce serum bilirubin levels but decreases phototherapy duration and hospital stay, suggesting a beneficial adjunctive role.