Phenobarbital prophylaxis of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Evaluation of a nightly dose.

Abstract

In an attempt to improve the success of a previous study of the prevention of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia employing phenobarbital in a single 30-mg nightly dose from 32 weeks' gestation until delivery, 246 patients were tested against 270 control subjects. A 39% reduction in significant hyperbilirubinemia was realized but this fell far short of previous findings with a larger dose. Premature infants received no apparent protection against jaundice. Mature infants had no severe jaundice (more than 16 mg/100 ml) and the resolution of hyperbilirubinemia was more rapid. No apparent difference in drowsiness or daytime sedation from previous experience was found. Female newborns responded much better (3:1) to prophylaxis. These disappointing results favor a return to the 1-g daily divided dose.

• Authors: C R Thomas
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 50 Issue 5 Pg. 607-10 (Nov 1977) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 909669 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Phenobarbital

Topics

• Birth Weight
• Diseases in Twins (epidemiology)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Indiana
• Infant, Newborn
• Jaundice, Neonatal (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Male
• Phenobarbital (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Pregnancy