The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation as Adjuvant to Phototherapy versus Phototherapy Alone on Neonatal Jaundice: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice, or neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, is a common and significant concern among newborns globally. Given that phototherapy is the primary treatment for neonatal jaundice, exploring alternative adjunctive treatments is beneficial. Aim: To observe the impact of vitamin D supplementation as an adjuvant therapy alongside phototherapy in managing neonatal jaundice. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based double-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) in Department of Paediatrics, G.R. Medical College, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, a tertiary care neonatal centre in North India, over a two-year period (April 2020 to March 2022). The study included 70 newborns with neonatal jaundice, divided into two groups: one receiving phototherapy and vitamin D (Group 1), and the other receiving phototherapy alone (Group 2). The average levels of bilirubin were compared at baseline, 48 hours, 96 hours, and 120 hours in the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 22.0, calculating frequency, percentage, mean, Standard Deviation (SD), and applying the independent t-test for comparison. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean total serum bilirubin at admission in Group 1 was 18.58±1.76 mg/dL, and in Group 2 was 17.77±2.01 mg/ dL, with a p-value of 0.077. At 48 hours, the levels in Group 1 were 15.11±1.99 mg/dL, and in Group 2 were 14.69±1.53 mg/ dL, with a p-value of 0.339. At 96 hours, the levels in Group 1 were 14.75±5.62 mg/dL, and in Group 2 were 13.16±1.49 mg/ dL, with a p-value of 0.237. At 120 hours, the levels in Group 1 were 8.90±4.66 mg/dL, and no patients were observed in Group 2. The study found that vitamin D as an adjuvant to phototherapy did not significantly impact the rate of decline of serum bilirubin, and the duration of phototherapy was not affected significantly. Conclusion: The study concludes that vitamin D, as an adjuvant to phototherapy, does not significantly affect the rate of decline of serum bilirubin, and it does not alter the duration of phototherapy when comparing both groups.