Effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG as a probiotic on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Özet

Undeveloped intestinal microflora and increased enterohepatic circulationof the newborn contribute to increase of plasma bilirubin level in the firstdays of life. This study was undertaken to determine the role of probioticsupport started immediately after birth on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia inbabies born by normal spontaneous vaginal delivery and breastfed only.A total of 150 healthy term newborns were included in the study andallocated in the study and control groups. Immediately after birth, newbornsin the study group received probiotic in liquid drop form (Maflor® dropscontaining Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG 109 colony forming units, MamselIlac, Turkey), at a dose of 5 drops a day, orally for 10 days. Newborns inthe control group received 5 drops of saline solution per day orally, instead.Serum bilirubin levels (cord, 3rd, 5th and 10th days of life) and defecationfrequency were recorded. Mean total bilirubin levels on the 3rd, 5th and 10thdays were significantly lower and mean defecation frequency was significantlyhigher in the probiotic group compared to the controls (p<0.05 for each).Negative correlations were determined between defecation frequency and the3rd, 5th and 10th day-total bilirubin levels (r=-0.804, p<0.001; r=-0.818,p<0.001; r=-0.648, p<0.001, respectively). Probiotic (Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG) support initiated immediately after birth has a positive effect onbilirubin metabolism and may reduce the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.