The Effects of Oral Manna on Reducing Neonatal Serum Bilirubin Levels

Abstract

Background: As a common and often benign problem, hyperbilirubinemia occurs in 60% of term and 80% of preterm neonates. The current treatment methods for the complication are phototherapy and blood exchange. However, in many areas of Iran, use of oral manna is common. This study investigated the effects of manna on neonatal serum bilirubin levels among hospitalized neonates in Akbar-Abadi Hospital (Tehran, Iran) during 2011. Methods: This randomized control clinical trial was conducted on 97 neonates (49 in phototherapy group as the controls and 49 in phototherapy plus manna group). The case group orally received 10 g of 30 g/100 ml manna suspension every 12 hours. They also underwent intensive phototherapy similar to the control group. Data was analyzed by SPSS14. Findings: There were no differences between the two groups in terms of gestational age, neonatal age, retic count, and hemoglobin levels. Comparison between the two groups did not show any significant differences in serum bilirubin levels 0, 24, and 48 hours after the intervention. Conclusion: Although this study did not show any differences between the two groups, intensive phototherapy might have prevented the possible effects of manna to be revealed. Further research in this field is thus recommended. Keywords: Manna, Icterus, Hyperbilirubinemia, Phototherapy