[Effect of increased feeding of oligosaccharides on serum bilirubin levels in newborns (author's transl)].

Previous trials to improve bilirubin elimination in newborns by increased feeding of breastmilk, formula or carbohydrate, especially glucose, gave different if not controversial results. Oligsaccharide solutions with low osmolarity and therefore good compatibility nowadays allow the administration of comparatively high amounts of carbohydrates to term and preterm newborn babies. With this mind a prospective study in 55 newborns, 26 males and 29 females, with birthweights ranging between 1980--3800g, was started. 30 infants got 25% solution of oligosaccharides (DEXTRO neonat), 50 ml/kg and day, during the first 6 days after birth, in addition of normal milk formula. 25 control infants got 5% solution of glucose instead of the oligosaccharide solution. Development of weight (Table 1) and haematokrit (Table 2) of both groups showed (perhaps interesting but) no significant differences. The oligosaccharide group showed significant elevation of blood glucose at the 2nd and several other days (Table 3), and significant lowering of serum bilirubin at the 4th, 5th and 6th day (Table 4, Fig. 1). Changes of amount or distribution of body water are (see Table 1 and 2) not likely for explanation. Other possible explanations are discussed. Further investigations would be of interest. Prophylactic and therapeutic use in postnatal hyperbilirubinaemia seems possible.