Research in Medicine

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Background: Jaundice is one of the most common problems in the neonatal period usual management of neonatal jaundice includes phototherapy, drug therapy, and exchange transfusion. In some countries, people use herbs for the treatment of jaundice. In Iran, cotoneaster spp. named shir khesht is used as a remedy for jaundice. Materials and methods: We prepared a 16% solution of shir khesht from the original plant. After controlling for contamination with pathogenic bacteria, the mixture, (5 gram of shir khesht in 30 ml. of distilled water), was given in three divided doses to 32 icteric newborns, for one day. 30 ml. of placebo mixture in three divided dose was given to 32 controls. Both groups received phototherapy as well. Serum bilirubin was checked prior to, and after prescription in each group every 12 hr for 36 hours. Results: Decline in the level of bilirubin in cases, i.e. those receiving shir khesht, was greater in comparison with controls reduction was significant at 12 hours, (mean=11.89±1.34 vs, 13.96±2.8), p=0.001, 24 hours, (mean=8.34±3.19 vs 11.66±2.33), p<0.001, and at 36hours (mean=3.90±2.48 vs 10.26±2.67) , p<0.001. The duration of hospital stay in cases was much less than controls, (mean admission in days=3.98 ±2 vs. 4.59±1.93, respectively), p<0.001. Conclusion: In this study shir khesht was found to be effective in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia resulting in a rapid decline in serum bilirubin, thus reducing duration of hospital stay. We suggest that further studies should be done so that it could be dispensed as a standard formula and used for neonatal jaundice.

Keywords: Neonate, Jaundice, cotoneaster spp.

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