The short-term beneficial effect of Zinc Supplement in preterm neonates having neonatal sepsis.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the short-term effect of oral zinc supplementation on mortality in preterm neonates with bacterial sepsis. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Setting: The Neonatal Unit of Sharif Medical City Hospital, Lahore. Period: December 20, 2021 to June 20, 2022. Methods: A total of 250 preterm neonates with gestational age between 28–36 weeks and diagnosed with sepsis were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. They were randomly distributed into two groups. Group A received zinc supplementation orally (3 mg/kg twice daily), while Group B received distilled water as a placebo. Both groups received standard antibiotic treatment. Neonates were monitored in the NICU until discharge or death, and 7-day mortality was recorded. Chi-square test was applied to associate mortality rates. The p value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of neonates in Group A was 41.19 ± 19.10 hours, while in Group B, it was slightly lower at 39.24 ± 19.63 hours. Group A had a significantly lower 7-day mortality rate of 9(7.2%) compared to Group B at 26(20.8%) (p = 0.002). No deaths occurred in the 6–18 hour age subgroup of Group A, while Group B had 8(6.4%) deaths (p = 0.005). Mortality was significantly lower in Group A among neonates with higher birth weights: 3(2.4%) vs. 12(9.6%), (p = 0.007) and gestational ages of 31–33 weeks: 5(4.0%) vs. 19(15.2%), (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Oral zinc supplementation significantly decreased short-term mortality in preterm neonates with sepsis. Zinc may serve as an effective adjunct therapy in managing neonatal sepsis.