Summary
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.
Summary
Fifty‐two mature newborn were treated with a daily dose of 200 mg of orotic acid from their 1st to their 5th day of life. An equally large number of untreated children served as a control group. Contrary to the premature infants, in the mature newborn no decrease in the serum bilirubin was achieved by administration of orotic acid. The question of the possible mode of action of the orotic acid is discussed.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.