fenofibrate + phototherapy

Fenofibrate + phototherapy is a combination treatment regimen investigated for the management of neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice). Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative and a small molecule agonist of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha). In the context of neonatal jaundice, it acts as an adjunct to standard phototherapy by inducing the activity of hepatic uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1), the enzyme responsible for bilirubin conjugation, thereby accelerating the clearance of unconjugated bilirubin. Phototherapy involves the use of specific wavelengths of light (typically blue-green) to convert unconjugated bilirubin in the skin into water-soluble photo-isomers, such as lumirubin, which can be excreted in the bile and urine without further hepatic processing. Clinical trials, including those sponsored by Rubab Fatima, evaluate this combination to determine if it can more effectively reduce total serum bilirubin levels and shorten the duration of phototherapy compared to phototherapy alone or other adjuncts like phenobarbitone.

Other names

fenofibrate plus phototherapy