Abstract
Introduction: Probiotics are non-pathogenic strains of organisms. These strains alter the microbial ecology of the gut and improve bowel function.
Objectives: In this study, the researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotics on reducing the duration of treatment for neonatal jaundice and the rate of readmission due to recurrence.
Patients and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, 88 neonates with jaundice hospitalized for phototherapy in Kowsar hospital from April 2020 to February 2021 were studied. Eligible neonates were randomly divided into probiotic and placebo groups. Both groups received standard conventional phototherapy and the intervention group received 5 drops of probiotic until hospital discharge. The outcome variables were bilirubin, hospitalization days, and readmission.
Results: The probiotic group had a significantly lower hospitalization stay in comparison to the placebo group. The hospitalization of the probiotic group was 2.43±0.82 days, while the hospitalization of the placebo group was 5.18±2.05 days.
Conclusion: Using oral probiotics in neonates with jaundice has a significant effect on reducing hospitalization days and readmission. Further studies are needed with longer time follow-up.
Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial website (identifier: IRCT20191022045194N1, https://en.irct.ir/trial/43675, ethical code (#IR.QUMS.REC.1398.041).