Therapeutic Effect of Clofibrate on Prolonged Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates

Heidarynezhad, Ahmadreza; Asadollahi, Khairollah; Mohamadi, Jasem

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Volume 33, Issue 6 (1-2026)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2026, 33(6): 19-30

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Therapeutic Effect of Clofibrate on Prolonged Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates

Ahmadreza Heidarynezhad¹

, Khairollah Asadollahi²

, Jasem Mohamadi ^*³

1- Medical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
2- Dept of Social Medicine, Medical School, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
3- Dept of Pediatrics, Medical School, Ilam university of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran , Jmohamadi@medilam.ac.ir

Abstract: (26 Views)

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions in the neonatal period and is primarily caused by elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin. Although usually benign, prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia may increase parental anxiety, healthcare costs, and the risk of neurotoxic complications, highlighting the need for effective and safe therapeutic interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of clofibrate on prolonged unconjugated jaundice in term neonates.
Materials & Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 152 term neonates diagnosed with prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia who were referred to the pediatric outpatient clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ilam, Iran, between October 2024 and September 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a single oral dose of clofibrate (50 mg/kg) in addition to standard care, while the control group received standard treatment alone. Total serum bilirubin levels were measured on days 1, 3, and 7. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Independent t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance were applied, and a p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The mean serum bilirubin level on day 1 was 11.4 ±2.1 mg/dL in the intervention group and 13.6 ±2.5 mg/dL in the control group. Following treatment, mean bilirubin levels decreased to 7.5 ±1.8 mg/dL and 10.7 ±2.1 mg/dL on day 3, and to 4.0 ±1.6 mg/dL and 9.0 ±1.8 mg/dL on day 7 in the intervention and control groups, respectively. The reduction in serum bilirubin levels was significantly greater in the clofibrate group compared with the control group (p < 0.001). No adverse effects were observed in either group.
Conclusion: A single oral dose of clofibrate at 50 mg/kg appears to be a safe and effective adjunctive therapy for reducing serum bilirubin levels and accelerating recovery in term neonates with prolonged unconjugated jaundice.

Keywords: Clofibrate, Unconjugated bilirubin, Prolonged jaundice, Term neonate

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Type of Study: Applicable | Subject: pediatrician
Received: 2025/11/16 | Accepted: 2025/12/29 | Published: 2026/01/28

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Heidarynezhad A, Asadollahi K, Mohamadi J. Therapeutic Effect of Clofibrate on Prolonged Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2026; 33 (6) :19-30
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8841-en.html

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