Abstract
ABSTRACT Background An economical alternative method of increasing the light intensity of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice is the use of reflective sheets placed on the sides of the incubator. Aim To determine whether reflective sheets in addition to phototherapy increase the reduction of bilirubin levels and the duration of hospital stay. Methods The study was undertaken in the neonatal intensive care unit of Cairo University Children’s Hospital. There were two groups: a study group of 90 full-term neonates with neonatal jaundice who received single phototherapy in incubators covered with white plastic reflective sheets and a control group of 90 full-term neonates with neonatal jaundice who received single phototherapy without the reflective sheets. Results The mean (SD) rate of bilirubin decline in the first 24 hours of phototherapy was greater in the study group [3.7 (0.86) µmol/L/hr] than in the control group [2.2 (0.14) µmol/L/hr] (p<0.001). Conclusion Use of reflective sheets decreases the total duration of phototherapy and the cost and duration of hospitalisation without any added complications. Abbreviations: AAP: American Academy of Pediatrics; HIDS: high-intensity double-surface; LMIC: low- and middle-income countries; MCTP: mirror-covered tunnel phototherapy; NICU: neonatal intensive care unit; TSB: total serum bilirubin.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.