Fenofibrate: A novel approach in treating uncomplicated neonatal

Fenofibrate is one of the commonest drug to treat hyperlipidemia in adults (Marshall et al, 2011). However, apartfrom its hypolipidemic action, it also has the ability to induce bilirubin conjugation. The present study was aimed to findits effect on uncomplicated neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The study was conducted on 40 normal term newborns who wereadmitted for uncomplicated jaundice at R.D. Gardi Medical College & Hospital, Ujjain from March 2010 to October 2010.The data included: age, sex, weight, serum bilirubin level, and duration of hospitalization. All newborns enrolled in thisstudy, received phototherapy. The cases were divided into two groups viz. Fenofibrate group (B) consisting of 14 boys(70%) and 6 girls (30%) and a control group (A) with 11boys (55%) and 9 girls (45%). There were no statistical overtdifferences between the two groups regarding sex distribution, age, weight and total serum bilirubin level at the time ofadmission. Mean values for total serum bilirubin in Fenofibrate group at 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours after starting of phototherapywere significantly lower than those for control group (p<0.00l). The mean time needed for phototherapy was also shorterin Group B than Group A. Fenofibrate appears to be an effective drug for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This decreases theduration of phototherapy and thus reduces the length of hospital stay.