Hyperalimentation-associated neonatal cholestasis: effect of oral gentamicin

Abstract

The effect of oral gentamicin on the incidence of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in preterm infants less than 1500 g birth weight was assessed retrospectively. Of 24 patients on parenteral nutrition for more than 10 days, 12 infants who received oral gentamicin (group I) for prophylaxis against neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis were compared to 12 infants who did not (group II). Both mean and peak direct bilirubin levels were significantly higher in group II. The increase in both mean and peak direct bilirubin levels after initiation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was significant in group II only. The incidence of cholestasis was significantly higher in group II than in group I. These results suggest that oral gentamicin may have a protective effect against parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in the newborn preterm infant.