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Published on: July 11, 2013
Skin exposure during conventional phototherapy in preterm infants: A randomized controlled trial
M A Pritchard1, E M Beller, B Norton
1Perinatal Research Centre, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia. mpritchard@somc.uq.edu.au
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 < or = 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 microW cm(-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.
