Effects of Probiotics on Controlling Neonatal Jaundice

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia remains the commonest cause of hospitalisation and readmission of new-borns. It can also cause considerable morbidity and mortality if not treated timely and properly.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the effect of probiotics on controlling neonatal jaundice.

Methods: 102 consecutive born new-borns, beyond 32 weeks of gestations who met inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to either control or pro-biotic group. Those in probiotic group ( group I) were given once daily dose of probiotic with Bacillus clausi, 2 billion unit and exclusive breastfeeding from day 1 until day 7. The control group (group II) were only on breastfeeding. Serum bilirubin was estimated on all babies on day 2, 4 and 7.

Results: There were 51 infants in each group. Out of which 24 babies in the probiotics group and 27 babies in the control group were in high-risk categories for neonatal jaundice. On day 2 bilirubin on the group I was 6.5 mg/dl +/-1.7, and in group, II was 8.6 mg/dl +/- 2.6 ( P=0.0001). Similarly on day 4 it was 10.2 +/- 2.3 group I and 12.1+/-3 in group II( P= 0.0005) and 8.6 +/-2.6 and 97 +/- 3.4 on day 7 ( P=0.983)

An innovative contribution to research-

Probiotics are effective in controlling neonatal jaundice and subsequent need for hospitalization.