Am J Perinatol 2005; 22(6): 329-333
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-871529
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Induction of Early Meconium Evacuation: Is It Effective in Reducing the Level of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia?

David Bader1 , Yoav Yanir1 , Amir Kugelman1 , Mira Wilhelm-Kafil1 , Arieh Riskin1
  • 1Department of Neonatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, The B. Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Publication History

Publication Date:
08 August 2005 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This prospective randomized trial evaluated the effect of induction of early meconium evacuation on neonatal jaundice in healthy term neonates. The study group was given glycerin suppository immediately after birth and every 4 hours thereafter, until evacuation of first stool. Glycerin suppository caused faster meconium evacuation but had no effect on mean bilirubin levels at 48 hours. However, males had significantly lower mean bilirubin levels, especially if they also had type A blood group. Glycerin suppository cannot be routinely recommended as a means for reducing the severity of neonatal jaundice. Nonetheless, male newborn with type A blood group may benefit from such a therapy.

REFERENCES

Arieh RiskinM.D. 

Department of Neonatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center

47 Golomb Street, P.O.B. 4940

Haifa 31048, Israel