Reductive effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on bilirubin levels in neonates on phototherapy

Figures & data

Table 1 Socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects

Variables	N	%
Age in days
Mean (SD)	5.22 (3.56)
Range	1–11
Gender
Female	23	57.5
Male	17	42.5
Gestational age in weeks
Mean (SD)	38.53 (1.46)
Range	37–40
Weight in kg
Mean (SD)	2.44 (0.62)
Range	1.6–3.5
Household size
Mean (SD)	4.6 (0.94)
Range	3–6
Diagnosis (n=13)
ABO incompatibility	6	46.2
Neonatal sepsis	6	46.2
Impetigo neonatorum	1	7.6
Socioeconomic Status (n=38)
1		5.3
2	2	65.8
3	25	23.7
4	9	5.3
5	2	0

Table 2 Comparative analysis of the change in bilirubin level between the experimental and control groups

Variable	Experimental group n=18 (UDCA Group)	Control group (n=22) (non-UDCA group)	95% CI	p-value
Day 1 total bilirubin level (mg/dL)
Mean (SD)	10.21 (2.95)	10.54 (2.13)
Median (range)	11.75 (9.30–26.12)	11.45 (8.70–14.50)
Day 2 total bilirubin level (mg/dL)
Mean (SD)	6.38 (2.78)	9.77 (1.57)
Median (range)	7.4 (5.90–19.0)	9.25 (7.30 −12.70)
Mean percentage fall (SD)	40.73% (18.12)	10.21% (10.53)	19.8–41.2	<0.0001
Proportionate change (n, %)
Decrease	14 (77.8)	15 (68.2)		0.825
Increase	4 (22.2)	7 (31.8)
Day 3 total bilirubin level (mg/dL)
Mean (SD)	3.06 (2.0)	8.07 (1.56)
Median (range)	3.75 (3.70 −9.20)	7.15 (5.70–10.20)
Mean percentage fall (SD)	42.07 (24.68)	20.99 (21.02)	9.09–33.19	0.002
Proportionate change (n, %)
Decrease	18 (100%)	18 (81.8)	N/A	N/A
Increase	0 (0.0)	4 (18.2)
Duration of treatment (days)
Mean (SD)	3.0 (0.58)	5.5 (1.35)	1.82–3.18	<0.0001
Range	2–4	4–7

Notes: Student's t-test: used for mean of continuous variables; X²: used for discrete variables.

Abbreviations: UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid; N/A, not applicable.