Clofibrate in the Treatment of the Non-hemolytic Hyperbilirubinemia in Preterm Neonates in Western Iran

Background: No studies, to the best of our knowledge, have been conducted on the effect of Clofibrate in reducing hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the therapeutic effect of Clofibrate in treating hyperbilirubinemia of preterm neonates. Methods: This clinical trial was performed from April 4 to December 20, 2019, on neonates in Hamadan in western Iran. The allocation remained concealed to the researcher, neonates’ parents, and analyzer during the study. A dose of Clofibrate of 25 kg/mg was given on the first day of hospitalization. The neonates in the placebo group received the oral placebo 25 kg/mg in the same way as the oral Clofibrate. The data were analyzed using SPSS 16 with P-value < 0.05. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed in the baseline characteristics of the two groups based on the neonate’s age and gender, delivery method, and gestational age. The prescription of Clofibrate significantly reduced the duration of hospitalization (p= 0.002) and phototherapy (p= 0.001). Prescribing a single oral dose of Clofibrate (25 mg/Kg) along with phototherapy in preterm neonates significantly reduced total serum bilirubin levels at 24 and 48 hours after treatment compared with phototherapy alone (p= 0.001). However, this association was not significant in admission (p= 0.095). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed the effect of Clofibrate in treating hyperbilirubinemia of preterm neonates. In addition, prescribing Clofibrate significantly reduced the duration of hospitalization and phototherapy.