THE DECREASE IN THE SERUM BILIRUBIN LEVEL IN PREMATURE INFANTS BY OROTIC ACID

The influence of higher doses of orotic acid on the serum bilirubin level of premature infants was investigated following studies with a lower dose. 102 premature infants were treated with a daily dose of 300 mg of orotic acid from the 1st-6th day after birth. An equal number of children served as a control group. The serum level for the indirect bilirubin that was analysed from the 3rd-6th day of life could be statistical significantly decreased by the administration of orotic acid. Blood exchange transfusions were necessary only four times with the administration of orotic acid, whereas blood exchange transfusions were required in 30 premature infants of the control group. The question of eventual side effects and the supposed mode of action of the orotic acid are discussed.