J Korean Soc Neonatol.  2000 May;7(1):39-44.

Effect of Oral Administration of Dioctahedral Smectite and Cholestyramine with Phototherapy in the Treatment of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

• Kwon JB
• Oh MH
• Sim JG
• Kim MH

Abstract

PURPOSE
Dioctahedral smectite is an alumina silicate of phyllitic structure and absorbs bile acid in the intestine, forming a non-absorbable complex preventing enterohepatic circulation. The purpose of this study is to clarify the value of dioctahedral smectite and the adequate dosage, in combination with phototherapy, as well as to confirm whether it shortens the duration of hospitalization and to compare dioctahedral smectite with cholestyramine.
METHODS
Total 45 full-term neonate with a total bilirubin level greater than 12 mg/dl were studied. The neonate were randomly divided into three groups : 1) Only phototherapy group (A) 2) 3.0 g/day dioctahedral smectite with phototherapy group (B) 3) 1.0 g/kg/day cholestyramine with phototherapy group (C).
RESULTS
The mean serum bilirubin level of group B and C decreased significantly compared to group A at 48, 72 and 96 hours after the beginning of the study. The duration of phototherapy and hospitalization significantly decreased in group B and C.
CONCLUSION
The data revealed that oral administration of dioctahedral smectite not only increased the efficacy of phototherapy, but also shortened the duration of phototherapy and can substitute for cholestyramine.

Keyword

Cholestyramine; Dioctahedral smectite; Phototherapy; Neonatal jaundice

MeSH Terms

Administration, Oral*
Aluminum Oxide
Bile
Bilirubin
Cholestyramine Resin*
Enterohepatic Circulation
Hospitalization
Humans
Hyperbilirubinemia, Neonatal*
Infant, Newborn
Intestines
Jaundice, Neonatal
Phototherapy*
Silicates
Aluminum Oxide
Bilirubin
Cholestyramine Resin
Silicates