From the Department of Pediatrics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, I. R. Iran.
Abstract: (5212 Views)
One of the causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is increased reabsorption
of bilirubin from meconium in the gastrointestinal tract. This occurs when the
conjugated bilirubin which is excreted into the colon is 'unconjugated by beta
glucuronidase activity, present in the neonatal intestine, which hydrolyzes bilirubin
diglucuronide into unconjugated bilirubin, which subsequently is reabsorbed
into the portal circulation, contributing to the bilirubin overload on hepatic excretory
pathways. Thus, delayed passage of meconium can cause an elevation in the
serum bilirubin level.
We accelerated meconium transit by lactulose and evaluated the relationship
between meconium passage, neonatal jaundice and bilirubin level.
150 newborns were selected after birth in Tabriz Al-zahra Hospital with special
criteria. Half of them were given 4.5-5 mL lactulose by gavage 2 hours after
birth. Time of meconium passage, appearance of jaundice and level of bilirubin
were studied in both groups. Results showed that 40% of neonates in the study.
group and 26.6% in the control group were non-icteric. Bilirubin level more than
12 mg/dL was seen in 28% of the study group and 53.4% of neonates in the
control group. There was a statistically significant correlation between lactulose
receivers and the control group (p=0.0028).
This investigation showed that acceleration of meconium passage in newborns
decreases the incidence of jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia.
Type of Study:
Original Research |
Subject:
Pediatric