The effects of zinc sulfate on sepsis outcomes in neonates: A blind clinical trial

Abstract

Background: We aimed to assess the effects of zinc sulfate supplementation on sepsis outcomes in neonates. \nMethods: This randomized double-blinded clinical trial was performed on neonates who suffering neonatal sepsis hospitalized in NICU ward at Hajar hospital in Shahrekord, Iran, in 2018. The patients were then randomly assigned into two groups receiving combined therapy with oral zinc sulfate (3mg/kg/day) and antibiotic for ten days (the intervention group, n=30) or routine anti-sepsis antibiotic therapy for the same time (the control group, n=30). Intervention group and control group were matched for baseline variables including gestational age, patients age, time for beginning first feeding and baseline anthropometric parameters. Height, weight, head circumference, feeding tolerance time, number of days of oxygenation, number of days hospitalized, NEC, duration of TPN reception, and time at feeding completion in the two groups were compared. \nResults: In total, 37 males and 23 females were entered into the study. Moreover, 21.7% were the results of natural vaginal delivery and others from cesarean section. There was a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of neonates weight and height, the rate of receiving TPN, Apgar score and nutrition tolerance. The use of zinc sulfate resulted significantly in more increase in body weight and height, less requiring TPN use, and also shorter time to achieve nutritional tolerance (P<0.05). \nConclusion: The use of oral zinc sulfate (3 mg/kg/day divided for 10 days) in neonates suffering from sepsis improve sepsis-related clinical outcomes including linear growth, shortening the time for TPN and improving nutrition tolerance.