Abstract
Introduction: Phototherapy is the treatment of choice for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It converts the unconjugated bilirubin from polar and neurotoxic Z-Z-bilirubin to the more polar photobilirubin. It has been hypothesized that high level of hemoglobin or hematocrit interferes in the effectiveness of phototherapy. The objective of the current study is to find out the association of hemoglobin/hematocrit to change in total serum bilirubin concentration during phototherapy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 296 neonates with uncomplicated hyperbilirubinemia. Before initiating the phototherapy, hemoglobin, hematocrit and total serum bilirubin levels were measured. After treating the neonates with phototherapy using LED-light for 24 hours, the total serum bilirubin level was measured again. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version-20. Results: The majority of study participants were male (60.8%), with mean postnatal age of 4.66 ± 1.65, having mean birth weight of 2.41 ± 0.41. Considering Pearson correlation, the hemoglobin had a significant inverse association with ΔTsB0-24 while birth weight and postnatal age also had inverse association but p-values were non-significant, while TsB0 had presented a very weak but significant positive association. The results might be evident of the fact that increase in hemoglobin concentration results in minimal change in total serum bilirubin concentration during phototherapy. Conclusion: Current study found a significant effect of hemoglobin on efficacy of phototherapy, as the change in total serum bilirubin concentration is inversely correlated with the level of hemoglobin. This is important for the physician in treating neonates with hyperbilirubinemia by using phototherapy.
Highlights
Phototherapy is the treatment of choice for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
The objective of the current study is to find out the association of hemoglobin/hematocrit to change in total serum bilirubin concentration during phototherapy
Current study found a significant effect of hemoglobin on efficacy of phototherapy, as the change in total serum bilirubin concentration is inversely correlated with the level of hemoglobin
Summary
Phototherapy is the treatment of choice for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia It converts the unconjugated bilirubin from polar and neurotoxic Z-Z-bilirubin to the more polar photobilirubin. The objective of the current study is to find out the association of hemoglobin/hematocrit to change in total serum bilirubin concentration during phototherapy. Conclusion: Current study found a significant effect of hemoglobin on efficacy of phototherapy, as the change in total serum bilirubin concentration is inversely correlated with the level of hemoglobin. This is important for the physician in treating neonates with hyperbilirubinemia by using phototherapy. The fact that the mechanism of phototherapy induced transformation occurs predominantly either intravascularly or extravascularly, is under a great debate but the majority favors the idea of intravascular phototherapy induced transformation [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
