The influence of orotic acid on the serum bilirubin level of mature newborn

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.