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Effectiveness of Fiberoptic Phototherapy Compared to Conventional Phototherapy in Treating Hyperbilirubinemia Amongst Term Neonates Receiving Care at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Neonatal Diseases
Registration Number
PACTR202004723570110
Lead Sponsor
Helvi N Joel
Brief Summary

In our study, phototherapy was effective in decreasing bilirubin levels in all three groups. The response was greater in the blue light conventional phototherapy (0.84%/h), followed by fiberoptic phototherapy (0.74%/h), whereas the white light conventional phototherapy (0.29%/h) had the lowest response in lowering serum bilirubin levels. The effectiveness of fiberoptic PT and blue light conventional PT were comparable in terms of bilirubin reduction rate and treatment duration, whereas fiberoptic phototherapy was more effective than white light conventional PT, with a significantly lower bilirubin reduction rate and treatment duration. No side effects were reported in the fiberoptic PT group, while both conventional PT groups reported loose stool. A transient erythematous skin rash was noted with blue light conventional PT.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
Complete
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
39
Inclusion Criteria

All term neonates (>37 weeks of gestation),
less than 7 days of age,
with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia with a total bilirubin level that has reached phototherapy threshold values as per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) nomogram values.

Exclusion Criteria

•Newborns receiving phenobarbitone.
•Newborns with bilirubin levels that have reached exchange transfusion levels on the AAP nomogram.
•Newborns with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia.
•Newborns who have already received phototherapy prior to enrollment.
•Newborns whose parents refused to consent.

Study & Design

Study Type
Interventional
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Serum bilirubin reduction;Treatment Duration;Treatment Side effects: decreased intestinal transit time: loose, greenish stools; hydration status: slow weight gain, assessed as the difference in daily body weight after starting PT, a difference of more than 5% body weight loss was considered as dehydrated; skin rashes and brownish discoloration of skin were assessed by a dermatologist.
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Age at enrollment;Gestation age at birth;Total serum bilirubin;Direct serum bilirubin
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