Efficacy of Double and Triple Phototherapy in Term Newborns With Hyperbilirubinemia: The First Clinical Trial

Background

Icterus is the most common medical problem in neonates and photo-therapy is the standard treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and length of hospital stay of double and triple phototherapy in newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia.

Methods

In a clinical trial, 40 healthy term newborns (gestational age > 37 weeks) with bilirubin ³ 12 and ³ 15 mg/dL in the second and third day, respectively, were randomly assigned to triple (n = 20) or double phototherapy (n = 20) groups. Total and direct serum bilirubin were measured at admission, 8, 16, and 24 hours after beginning of phototherapy, and every 12 hours thereafter until discharge (when bilirubin levels reached £ 10 mg/dL).

Results

There were 21 male (52%) and 19 female (48%) term neonates, with significant difference between patients' age, weight, and age of icterus. There was no significant difference in the rate of bilirubin decline between the two groups within the first 8, 16 and 24 hours. There was no significant difference in mean length of hospital stay between the two groups. Analysis of complications showed no difference between triple and double groups.

Conclusion

Triple phototherapy failed to reduce total serum bilirubin and shorten length of hospitalization more rapidly than double phototherapy.

Key Words:  double phototherapy , efficacy , hyperbilirubinemia , term newborn , triple phototherapy

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