Fiberoptic phototherapy versus conventional daylight phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia of term newborns.

The efficacy and wavelengths of fiberoptic phototherapy and conventional daylight phototherapy were compared in a relatively larger series of term newborns with nonhemolytic and significant hyperbilirubinemia than reported in previous studies. One hundred and nine term newborns were randomly assigned to receive either fiberoptic phototherapy on a fiberoptic phototherapy pad or overhead conventional phototherapy consisting of five daylight fluorescent lamps. Although the average spectral irradiance measured during the study period was significantly greater in the fiberoptic phototherapy group (9.2+/-1.2 microW/cm2/nm vs 7.1+/-1.1 microW/cm2/mm, p < 0.05), conventional phototherapy was significantly more effective in decreasing bilirubin levels: the duration of exposure to phototherapy was significantly shorter (49.4+/-14.4 hours vs 61+/-13.1 hours, p < 0.05), and overall bilirubin decline rate as mg/dl/h and percent/h was significantly greater in the conventional phototherapy group (0.15+/-0.06 mg/dl/h vs 0.11+/-0.05 mg/dl/h, and 0.81+/-0.34 percent/h vs 0.60+/-0.28 percent/h, p < 0.05). There were four failures of phototherapy in the fiberoptic phototherapy group whereas no phototherapy failure was observed in the conventional phototherapy group (p < 0.05). The emission spectrum of the daylight fluorescent lamp revealed a broad emission between the violet and red spectra with tiny narrow peak emission bands in 405 nm, 436 nm, 546 nm and 577 nm, while a broad emission through the blue and green wavelengths (mainly in the green spectrum) without any peak emissions was detected in the tungsten-halogen lamp of the fiberoptic phototherapy system. Conventional phototherapy with daylight fluorescent lamps should be preferred to fiberoptic phototherapy administered with fiberoptic phototherapy and in the treatment of term newborns with nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia.     

Double versus single phototherapy in low birth weight newborns.

Conventional phototherapy systems that simultaneously irradiate the front and the back of the baby lower the serum bilirubin level more rapidly than one-sided systems, but they are impractical. Fiberoptic phototherapy makes it easy to administer conventional phototherapy from above while the infant lies on a fiberoptic phototherapy blanket. Newborns with birth weights less than 2500 g were randomly assigned to receive either single (n = 37) or double (n = 33) phototherapy. The groups were similar in clinical and laboratory characteristics. After 18 hours of therapy the serum bilirubin concentration declined by 31 +/- 11% in the double and 16 +/- 15% in the single phototherapy group (2.9 +/- 1.1 vs 1.6 +/- 1.4 mg/dL), and the difference in the total serum bilirubin levels after 18 hours of therapy was significant (double phototherapy group 7.1 +/- 2.7 mg/dL vs single phototherapy group 8.2 +/- 2.6 mg/dL). After 18 hours of treatment the serum bilirubin level was less than the phototherapy threshold level in 26 of 37 single phototherapy patients vs 32 of 33 double phototherapy patients. Double phototherapy was well tolerated. It is concluded that this type of double phototherapy is more effective than single phototherapy in low birth weight newborns. Double phototherapy may be useful when it is necessary to reduce an elevated serum bilirubin level as rapidly as possible or when the bilirubin level is rising with single phototherapy.     

Double versus single phototherapy in term newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia

The efficacy of double phototherapy, in the form of conventional phototherapy with special blue light plus fiberoptic phototherapy, was compared with conventional phototherapy consisting of special blue lamps alone in a relatively larger series of term newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia. During the study period the sum of the average spectral irradiances in the double phototherapy group was significantly higher than that of the single phototherapy group (p < 0.05). Phototherapy was effective in decreasing bilirubin levels in both groups, but the response was greater in the double phototherapy group; the duration of exposure to phototherapy was significantly shorter (31.2 +/- 8.5 vs. 38.98 +/- 14.7 h, p < 0.05), and the overall bilirubin decline rate as mumol/l/h and per cent/h was significantly greater in the double phototherapy group (4.1 +/- 1.37 vs. 3.3 +/- 0.86 mumol/l/h, and 1.29 +/- 0.38 vs. 1.02 +/- 0.44 per cent/h, p < 0.05). In phototherapy treatment of term newborns with significant hyperbilirubinemia, double phototherapy provided more rapid and effective bilirubin reduction than conventional phototherapy alone due to higher spectral irradiance and larger body surface area exposed to phototherapy. The value of double phototherapy in the treatment of newborns with hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia remains to be determined.     

Rebound in serum bilirubin level following intensive phototherapy

OBJECTIVES: To document the need for repeated phototherapy (as an index of significant rebound in serum bilirubin levels) following the discontinuation of intensive phototherapy and to compare the use of repeated phototherapy in infants who first received phototherapy during their birth hospitalization with the use of first-time phototherapy on readmission after infants were discharged from their birth hospitalization. DESIGN: A retrospective review of the medical records of 303 term and near-term newborns treated between January 1996 and December 1998, who received phototherapy in our well-baby nursery during their birth hospitalization (group 1, n = 158) or who had been discharged from the nursery and were readmitted for phototherapy (group 2, n = 144). All infants received intensive phototherapy but were managed by individual attending pediatricians. Rebound measurements were included if a bilirubin level was obtained between 4 and 48 hours after discontinuing phototherapy. SETTING: Newborn nursery and pediatric ward of a large community hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The number of infants who received repeated phototherapy and the magnitude of the bilirubin-level rebound. RESULTS: Thirteen (8.2%) of 158 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9-12.4) infants treated with phototherapy before discharge from the nursery (group 1) and only 1 (0.7%) of 144 (95% CI, 0-2.0) infants who first received phototherapy on readmission (group 2) received repeated phototherapy (P =.002). Phototherapy was discontinued when mean +/- SD total serum bilirubin levels were, 10.4 +/- 1.8 mg/dL (178 +/- 31 micromol/L) in group 1 and 12.3 +/- 1.3 mg/dL (210 +/- 22 micromol/L) in group 2. The mean +/- SD increase in the total serum bilirubin levels following rebound was 1.3 +/- 2.0 mg/dL (22 +/- 34 micromol/L) in group 1 and 0.27 +/- 1.46 mg/dL (4.6 +/- 25 micromol/L) in group 2 (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: It is not necessary to keep infants in the hospital to check for rebound. However, for infants who require phototherapy during their birth hospitalization and for those with significant hemolytic disease, we recommend obtaining a follow-up bilirubin level 24 hours after discharge. This is probably not necessary in those who are readmitted for phototherapy but, because rare instances of significant rebound have occurred in these infants, additional clinical follow-up is appropriate, particularly if phototherapy is discontinued at higher total serum bilirubin levels than used in this study.     

Effect of feeding type on the efficacy of phototherapy

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of phototherapy for nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia and rebound bilirubin levels in breast-fed newborns as compared with mixed-fed (breast milk and formula) newborns. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING: Prospective study of effects of feeding type on response to phototherapy in newborns. METHODS: The subjects were 53 full-term healthy newborns with nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia [defined as total serum bilirubin 12 mg/dL (205.2 micromol/L) in the first 48 hours of life or 15 mg/dl (256.5 micromol/L), on subsequent days]. Groups were formed according to type of feeding. Group 1 consisted of 28 breast-fed newborns and group 2 consisted of 25 mixed-fed newborns. Phototherapy was terminated when total serum bilirubin concentration fell to 14 mg/dL (< 239.4 micromol/L). Rebound bilirubin measurements were obtained 24 hours after phototherapy ended. RESULTS: The groups were comparable with respect to age at the start of phototherapy. The amount of weight loss (relative to birth weight) recorded at the start of phototherapy was significantly greater in group 1 than in group 2 (8.1+/- 3.9% vs. 5.4+/- 2.6% p = 0.004). The duration of phototherapy was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2 (38.6+/- 12.6 h vs. 26.8+/- 9.4 h; P < 0.001). The 24-hour rate of decrease in bilirubin concentration in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 [5.4+/- 2.2 mg/dL/d (92.3+/-37.6 micromol/L/d) vs. 4+/- 1.3 mg/dL/d (68.4+/- 22.2 micromol/L/d); p = 0.01]. The overall rate of decrease in bilirubin concentration in group 1 was significantly lower than that in group 2 [0.16+/- 0.05 mg/dL/h (2.73+/- 0.85 micromol/L/h) vs. 0.22+/- 0.09 mg/dL/h (3.76+/- 1.53 micromol/L/h); p = 0.01]. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to rebound bilirubin concentration (P = 0.184). Conclusion: Phototherapy effectively reduced bilirubin levels in breastfed newborns with hyperbilirubinemia, but these patients show significantly slower response to this treatment than mixed-fed newborns.     

Comparison of the efficacy of conventional special blue light phototherapy and fiberoptic phototherapy in the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia

The efficacy and usefulness of two types of phototherapy differing in the source, wavelength and irradiance of the light, conventional phototherapy consisting of special blue light and fiberoptic phototherapy, were compared in a relatively larger series of term newborns with non-haemolytic and more significant hyperbilirubinaemia than those in previous studies. In total, 108 newborns were allocated sequentially to receive either conventional phototherapy consisting of five special blue lamps or fiberoptic phototherapy. The average spectral irradiance measured at the skin surface level of newborns during the study period was significantly greater in the conventional phototherapy group. The special blue lamp of the conventional phototherapy unit had an emission spectrum almost identical to the bilirubin absorption spectrum, whereas the tungsten-halogen lamp of the fiberoptic phototherapy had a broad emission through the blue and green wavelengths (mainly in the green spectrum). Phototherapy was more effective in the conventional phototherapy group; the duration of exposure to phototherapy (h) was significantly shorter, and the overall bilirubin decline rate (as micromol/l/h and %/h) was significantly greater in the conventional phototherapy group. According to the nursing personnel, fiberoptic phototherapy was more comfortable than the conventional phototherapy frame because of the easier accessibility and handling of the infants during phototherapy. They complained of giddiness, nausea, glare, temporary blurring of vision and difficulty in detecting the skin colour changes of newborns with the blue light of the conventional phototherapy unit. Conventional phototherapy consisting of special blue fluorescent lamps with approximately twofold higher irradiance and an emission spectrum almost identical to the bilirubin absorption spectrum is preferable to fiberoptic phototherapy in the standard treatment of term newborns with non-haemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia.     

Intensified phototherapy using daylight fluorescent lamps

Jaundice is a common reason for therapeutic intervention in newborn infants and phototherapy is effective treatment if enough light energy is delivered to a skin surface area of sufficient size. Narrow spectrum blue light is superior to white light, but in developing countries fluorescent blue lamps often have to be imported and are much more expensive than white lamps. We developed a phototherapy unit in which seven daylight fluorescent tubes are placed immediately under the floor of a transparent plexiglass crib. The efficacy of this unit, delivering approximately 19 microW/cm2/nm, was compared with that of two conventional phototherapy units using overhead lamps placed 35 cm above the infants. One unit used daylight fluorescent tubes and delivered approximately 4 microW/cm2/nm, the other unit used special blue fluorescent tubes and delivered approximately 22 microW/cm2/nm. Fifty-one infants were included in the analyses, all of them breastfed on demand. Serum bilirubin levels were determined spectrophotometrically at 0, 12 and 24 h. The decrement in serum bilirubin concentrations was significantly greater in infants undergoing phototherapy with the new device or with special blue lamps compared to conventional overhead daylight lamps (p < 0.001 both at 12 and at 24 h). We conclude that highly efficient phototherapy may be delivered with daylight fluorescent lamps placed in very close proximity to the patient. Thus, lack of access to expensive imported special blue lamps does not preclude delivery of effective phototherapy in developing countries.     

Bilirubin photoisomerization in premature neonates under low- and high-dose phototherapy

Photoisomerization of native bilirubin to more polar configurational isomers (Z,E-bilirubin) and structural isomers (lumirubin) was studied in 20 premature infants with physiologic jaundice to determine the effect of low-dose (6 microW/cm2/nm) v high-dose (12 microW/cm2/nm) phototherapy. Patients were assigned prospectively to receive either low- or high-dose treatment. Study groups were comparable with regard to birth weight, gestational age, and total bilirubin prior to the initiation of phototherapy. Treatment was administered with white light produced by a commercially available halogen-tungsten lamp. Dose was measured periodically during the study to ensure a uniform distribution of irradiance and constant exposure. Sera for photoisomers were obtained before initiation of treatment and at two, four, and eight hours. Photoisomers expressed as a percent of total bilirubin were determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography. Serum proportion of both configurational and structural isomers increased with the duration of phototherapy in both treatment groups. There was no significant difference between the percent of configurational isomers in low- and high-dose phototherapy groups. However, high-dose treatment produced a significantly higher proportion of the structural isomer lumirubin after four hours (0.7% low dose v 1.3% high dose, P less than .05). These data confirm that phototherapy results in both configurational and structural isomerization of bilirubin in vivo. Furthermore, the previously described "dose" effect of phototherapy may be attributed to the production of the structural isomer, lumirubin.     

Fiberoptic vs conventional home phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Two methods of administering home phototherapy were compared. Twenty-two infants received home phototherapy with a fiberoptic cummerbund, and 26 infants received home phototherapy with a conventional four-bul "bililight." The two treatment modalities proved equally effective in lowering bilirubin levels. The duration of treatment was a mean of 3.09 days in the fiberoptic group and 2.77 days in the bililight group, and the daily decline in bilirubin levels was a mean of 1.84 mg/dL/day in the fiberoptic group and 2.18 mg/dL/day in the bililight group. Differences were not statistically significant (Student's t-test, two-tailed). Upon completion of therapy, mothers responded to 15 statements intended to measure attitudes and perceptions regarding home phototherapy. In four of the 15 statements there was a statistically significant preference for fiberoptic therapy, as measured with the chi-square statistic (p less than .05), while in the remaining statements there were no preferences expressed toward either treatment modality. Fiberoptic home phototherapy appears to be as effective as home phototherapy administered with conventional bililights and may be better accepted by parents.     

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia associated with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Sephardic-Jewish neonates: incidence, severity, and the effect of phototherapy.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency is frequently associated with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and sometimes kernicterus, often in the absence of any identifiable trigger or hematological evidence of hemolysis. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence and severity of, and the effect of phototherapy on, jaundice in G 6-PD-deficient vs G-6-PD-normal neonates in the Sephardic-Jewish community. Healthy term newborns, born to mothers of families stemming from geographic areas known to be "at risk" for G-6-PD deficiency, were screened for the condition and surveyed for hyperbilirubinemia. Seventy-five G-6-PD-deficient neonates formed the study group, while 266 neonates with normal levels of the enzyme formed the control group. Neonates with any other identifiable cause for jaundice were excluded. Phototherapy was commenced when the serum bilirubin levels reached 16 mg/dL (274 mumol/L) or more, and it was discontinued at 12 mg/dL (205 mumol/L) or less. Hyperbilirubinemia developed in 27 (36%) of the deficient neonates (serum total bilirubin greater than 13.9 mg/dL [238 mumol/L]), compared with 50 (18.8%) of control neonates (P = .002), while 20 (26.7%) of the study group required phototherapy, compared with 31 (11.7%) of control neonates (P = .002). Two neonates in the study group required exchange transfusion (serum bilirubin greater than 20 mg/dL [342 mumol/L]), vs 0 in the control group (not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Randomized trial of prophylactic phototherapy in the infant with very low birth weight

Twenty-two preterm infants (birth weight 850 +/- 220 gm) were randomly assigned to receive phototherapy either soon after birth or after the serum bilirubin concentration reached 5 mg/dl. Infants receiving prophylactic phototherapy were placed under lights at a significantly earlier age and lower serum bilirubin concentration than infants in the routine group (P less than 0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in peak serum bilirubin concentration, age at which it peaked, rate of rise in serum bilirubin concentration, or serum bilirubin concentration at any time during the study. Infants assigned to the prophylactic phototherapy group were under lights for a significantly longer time than those in the routine group (P less than 0.05). There was a significant rise in both configurational and structural photo-isomers (P less than 0.005) independent of serum bilirubin concentration after phototherapy in all patients. These data suggest that the clinical course of hyperbilirubinemia is not altered in infants with very low birth weight receiving prophylactic phototherapy compared with infants with phototherapy begun at a bilirubin concentration of 5 mg/dl.     

强光疗治疗新生儿高胆红素血症的疗效及安全性

目的 探讨采用强光疗治疗新生儿高胆红素血症的疗效及安全性。方法 对144 例新生儿高胆红素血症患儿进行前瞻性随机分组,其中强光疗组和传统光疗组各72 例,对两组疗效及并发症等情况进行比较。结果 光疗后12 h 内强光疗组患儿血总胆红素水平明显低于传统光疗组(P<0.05),且胆红素下降幅度明显高于传统光疗组(P<0.05)。强光疗组患儿总光疗时间明显短于传统光疗组(P<0.05)。两组患儿光疗后发热、腹泻、皮疹、低钙血症发生率及光疗后血钙水平和血红蛋白下降水平等比较差异均无统计学意义。结论 强光疗在光疗开始初期可迅速有效降低高胆红素血症患儿血中胆红素水平,缩短总光疗时间,且不增加不良反应的发生率,是一种优于传统光疗的治疗措施。     

Effects of albumin infusion therapy on total and unbound bilirubin values in term infants with intensive phototherapy

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of intravenous albumin administration on the serum total and unbound bilirubin values in term non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemic neonates during intensive phototherapy. METHODS: Fifty-eight infants (gestational age 39.4 +/- 1.4 weeks; birth weight 3,245 +/- 435 g) were given phototherapy with similar light energy. Twenty infants (control group) received only phototherapy, while 38 others (albumin-treated group) were also given human albumin at 1 g/kg bodyweight, i.v., during the first 2 h of phototherapy. RESULTS: When comparing changes in total and unbound bilirubin values 0, 2, 6 and 24 h after entering the study between the albumin-treated group and the control group, there was a significant reduction in the serum unbound bilirubin values at the end of albumin treatment and at 6 and 24 h. However, there was no significant reduction in total serum bilirubin values during the study period. In the albumin-treated group, the mean serum unbound bilirubin reduction from the baseline level at the end of albumin treatment and at 6 and 24 h was 0.40 +/- 0.19, 0.41 +/- 0.20 and 0.43 +/- 0.20 microg/dL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that albumin priming may be effective for an immediate reduction in serum unbound bilirubin values, the fraction that is potentially neurotoxic.     

A new blue light-emitting phototherapy device: a prospective randomized controlled study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a new phototherapy light source with a narrow luminous blue spectrum. The device, made with high-intensity gallium nitride light-emitting diodes (LEDs), was compared with conventional phototherapy at similar light intensities. SETTING: Two university-affiliated community hospitals in Jerusalem. DESIGN: Prospective open randomized study. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine jaundiced, but otherwise healthy, term infants who met the entry criteria for phototherapy set by the American Academy of Pediatrics' Practice Parameter. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The duration of phototherapy and the rate of decrease in total serum bilirubin (TSB) concentration. RESULTS: The mean TSB concentrations at initiation and termination of treatment did not differ between newborns receiving LED and those receiving conventional phototherapy. The duration of phototherapy and the rate of decrease in TSB concentration were not statistically different in the 2 groups. The average rate of decrease in TSB after adjustment by a linear regression analysis for confounding factors was -3.16 micromol/L/h (95% confidence limits -4.81, -1.51) in newborns receiving LED phototherapy compared with -2.19 micromol/L/h (-3.99, -0.40) in those treated with conventional phototherapy (P <.14). No side effects were noted in any of the newborns. CONCLUSIONS: The blue gallium nitride LED device is as effective as conventional phototherapy and is readily accepted by nursing staff. Future LED phototherapy devices can provide much higher irradiance, and thus greater efficacy, and offer a new highly versatile approach to the treatment of jaundice.     

Intensive phototherapy with a blue double lamp in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of "intensive phototherapy" (blue double light, 2 X 30 microW/cm2) on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in 41 infants, compared to a control group treated with "single light" phototherapy (1 X 30 microW/cm2). The double light treatment enhances the photodegradation of bilirubin. The number of exchange transfusions was reduced, and no further exchange transfusions had to be carried out. No significant clinical side effects during the phototherapy were observed.     

Phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: six-year follow-up of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development clinical trial

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Randomized, Controlled Trial of Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia was conducted to determine whether phototherapy used to control serum bilirubin is safe and is as effective in preventing brain injury as exchange transfusion. The study, conducted at six neonatal care centers, randomly assigned 1339 newborn infants to phototherapy or control groups by the following subgroups: (1) birth weight less than 2000 g; (2) birth weight 2000 to 2499 g and bilirubin level greater than 171 mumol/L (10 mg/dL); or (3) birth weight greater than or equal to 2500 g and bilirubin level greater than 222 mumol/L (13 mg/dL). Phototherapy was administered for 96 hours, and exchange transfusion was used to control hyperbilirubinemia at the same predetermined levels in both groups. Neurological and developmental examinations were conducted at 1 and 6 years of age, with follow-up rates of 83% and 62%, respectively. The two groups did not differ in mortality or diagnosed medical conditions. The phototherapy and control groups had similar rates of cerebral palsy (5.8% vs 5.9%), other motor abnormalities including clumsiness and hypotonia (11.1% vs 11.4%), and sensorineural hearing loss (1.8% vs 1.9%). The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised scores overall were not significantly different for the two groups (Verbal, 96.8 vs 94.8; Performance, 95.8 vs 95.1 for phototherapy and control groups, respectively). Phototherapy effectively controlled neonatal hyperbilirubinemia without evidence of adverse outcome at 6 years of age and was at least as effective as management with exchange transfusion alone.     

Effect of hyperbilirubinemia on intestinal permeability in healthy term newborns

We investigated the effect of serum bilirubin (SB) on intestinal permeability (IP) of healthy, term, birth weight appropriate for gestational age neonates before phototherapy. IP was measured by the dual probe (lactulose/mannitol) sugar absorption test (SAT) performed on the third day of life in 12 healthy jaundiced newborns (total bilirubin 249 +/- 39.75 micromol/L) and compared to that of 12 non-jaundiced newborns (total bilirubin 83.79 + 37.62 micromol/L) matched for sex, gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score. Jaundiced newborns have a significantly higher La/Ma ratio than non-jaundiced (0.31 +/- 0.28 vs. 0.053 +/- 0.043; p < 0.0004). A significant correlation was found between serum bilirubin level and La/Ma ratio (r = 0.56 p < 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates a direct effect of UCB on gut epithelial barrier of at-term newborns in whom UCB appears to be responsible for an alteration of IP that theoretically may lead to a passage of macromolecules through the intestinal epithelium increasing the risk of sensitization.     

Skin exposure during conventional phototherapy in preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of reduced skin exposure in preterm infants receiving overhead phototherapy treatment on total serum bilirubin (TSB). METHODS: Randomized controlled trial. Preterm infants (>1500 g birthweight and < or = 36 weeks gestation) were randomized to being nursed either partially clothed with only disposable nappies and in posturally supported positions (n = 30) or naked without postural support (n = 29). Primary outcome was mean TSB percentage change at 24 h of completed conventional overhead phototherapy treatment (irradiance of 6 microW cm(-2)/nm at a wavelength of 425-475 nm). The incidence of rebound jaundice, number of infants continuing to receive phototherapy treatment at 24 h periods, parental stress, mother-infant interaction and mean TSB percentage change at 24 h of completed conventional overhead phototherapy treatment were examined. RESULTS: Mean TSB percentage change at 24 h of completed treatment for the partially clothed group was 15.4% (+/-18) and for the naked group 19% (+/-15) (mean difference 3.6% 95% CI -5.1, 12.3). No other outcomes were significantly affected by reduced skin exposure to overhead phototherapy treatment. CONCLUSION: Our results show no statistically significant difference in TSB level change using either nursing practice.     

Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement in preterm infants]

Transcutaneous bilirubinometry is an effective screening tool for neonatal jaundice in full-term babies. But its accuracy is not shown yet in preterm infants. METHODOLOGY: We carried out a prospective study in a neonatal intensive care unit. The study included 47 preterm infants. From birth, a transcutaneous bilirubin measurement (BTc) using the BiliCheck was made on the forehead of each newborn every 8 h. Blood sampling for determination of total serum bilirubin (BS) was combined with BTc: 1) if value of BTc was higher than limits values for phototherapy; 2) on the second day of life and 3) 4 hours after cessation of phototherapy. RESULTS: Mean gestational age was 30 week and mean birth weight was 1419 g. We studied 151 pairs of BTc and BS. Mean values obtained by BTc and BS were respectively 160.6+/-50 mumol/L and 190.6+/-61.4 mumol/L. A significant correlation between BTc and BS was found. But the limits of agreement were very wide. The negative predictive value (NPV) of BTc was above 90% in each group of gestational age. DISCUSSION: The need for phototherapy cannot be determined by BTc in preterm infants. But the BTc is reliable when its value is under the limits for phototherapy. CONCLUSION: With a very high incidence of neonatal jaundice (87%) in our cohort, a value of BTc under the limits for phototherapy has a good NPV in preterm infants.     

Jaundice noted in the first 24 hours after birth in a managed care organization

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the significance of jaundice noted in the first 24 hours after birth in a community setting. DESIGN: Supplementary analyses of a nested case-control study. SETTING: Northern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program. PATIENTS: Six hundred thirty-one randomly selected newborns (controls) and 140 cases with total serum bilirubin levels of 25 mg/dL (428 micro mol/L) or higher from a cohort of 105 384 newborns of at least 2000 g birth weight and at least 36 weeks' gestational age, born between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Notations of jaundice in the medical record, timing and results of bilirubin testing, use of phototherapy, and development of bilirubin levels of 25 mg/dL or higher. RESULTS: Among the controls, the cumulative probability of a notation of jaundice (corrected for early hospital discharge using survival analysis) was 2.8% within 18 hours and 6.7% within 24 hours. In these newborns, cumulative proportions that had bilirubin levels measured were 38% within 12 hours and 43% within 24 hours of when jaundice was first noted. About 40% of bilirubin levels measured within 24 hours were above the estimated 95th percentile for age. Compared with newborns not noted to be jaundiced on the first day, newborns noted to be jaundiced within 24 hours were more likely to receive phototherapy (18.9% vs 1.7%; relative risk, 10.1; 95% confidence interval, 4.2-24.4) and to develop a bilirubin level of 25 mg/dL or higher (odds ratio, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-5.2), but the absolute risk increase for total serum bilirubin levels of 25 mg/dL or higher was 0.2%. CONCLUSION: Jaundice noted in the medical record in the first 24 hours after birth was uncommon and often clinically significant in this setting, but other factors also need to be considered in determining its importance.