Abstract

Aims: To determine the prophylactic effects of clofibrate on hyperbilirubinemia in very low
birth weight twins.
Study Design: A randomized double blind clinical trial
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Neonatal Research Center, Imam Reza
Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran,
between Oct 2010- Sep 2011.
Methodology: Forty neonates with very low birth weight (20 pairs of twins) having same
blood group and sex were elected. Infants with congenital anomalies, metabolic diseases,
hemolytic disease, and infections were excluded. Case group received a single dose of
clofibrate 100 mg/kg and control group received sterile water. Both clofibrate and sterile
water were administrated through orogastric tube and were the same volume. Serum bilirubin levels were measured before administration, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the
administration. Data was analyzed using repeated measure ANOVA.
Results: Total serum bilirubin after clofibrate administration was lower than control group
(F= 6.48, P=0.02); however, the duration of phototherapy and hospitalization were not
significantly different between the two groups (P=0.39 and 0.91 respectively). No side
effects of drug were observed based on the physical exam and liver function tests.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that clofibrate maintained total serum bilirubin lower
in very low birth weight neonates but without effect on duration of phototherapy and
hospitalization.