Efficacy of single phototherapy with low-cost reflective sheets versus single phototherapy alone in mild-to-moderate unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in full-term neonates

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.