Abstract
Objective: To assess the effect of reduced skin exposure in preterm infants receiving overhead phototherapy treatment on total serum bilirubin (TSB).
Methods: Randomized controlled trial. Preterm infants (>1500 g birthweight and less than or equal to 36 weeks gestation) were randomized to being nursed either partially clothed with only disposable nappies and in posturally supported positions (n = 30) or naked without postural support (n = 29). Primary outcome was mean TSB percentage change at 24 h of completed conventional overhead phototherapy treatment (irradiance of 6 muWcm(-2)/nm at a wavelength of 425-475 nm). The incidence of rebound jaundice, number of infants continuing to receive phototherapy treatment at 24 h periods, parental stress, mother-infant interaction and mean TSB percentage change at 24 h of completed conventional overhead phototherapy treatment were examined.
Results: Mean TSB percentage change at 24 h of completed treatment for the partially clothed group was 15.4% (+/-18) and for the naked group 19% (+/-15) (mean difference 3.6% 95% CI -5.1, 12.3). No other outcomes were significantly affected by reduced skin exposure to overhead phototherapy treatment.
Conclusion: Our results show no statistically significant difference in TSB level change using either nursing practice.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 270-274 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue number | 5-6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
| Event | 14th Physical and Developmental Environment of the High Risk Infant Conference - Tampa, United States Duration: 31 Jan 2004 → 3 Feb 2004 |