COMPARISON OF ZINC AND PROBIOTICS ON NEONATES WITH INDIRECT HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA UNDERGOING PHOTOTHERAPY

COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF ZINC AND PROBIOTICS ON NEONATAL INDIRECT HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA UNDERGOING PHOTOTHERAPY

Study will evaluate effects of oral zinc and probiotics supplementation in neonates who have indirect hyperbilirubinemia and are receiving phototherapy. Aim is to compare efficacy of these two drugs in clearing bilirubin and reducing duration of phototherapy. Neonates will be randomly assigned to receive either drug alongside phototherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1. Term or Near term neonates 2. Age <7 days at enrollment 3. Bilirubin levels within phototherapy range according to NICE bilirubin threshold charts 4. No identifiable pathology 5. Tolerating oral feeds 6. Parental or Guardian written informed consent taken.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1. Positive sepsis screen or clinical signs of infection 2. Direct hyperbilirubinemia 3. Gastrointestinal malformations 4. Oral intolerance 5. Requiring mechanical ventilation 6. Congenital anomalies 7. Parental or Guardian refusal to participate in study