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Screening of infants for hyperbilirubinemia to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy: US Preventive Services Task

    Pediatrics
    |September 30, 2009
    PubMed

    Insights

    Screening newborn infants for hyperbilirubinemia lacks sufficient evidence to determine its benefits and harms. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of screening strategies for preventing chronic bilirubin encephalopathy.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Public Health Screening

    Background:

    • Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborn infants.
    • Chronic bilirubin encephalopathy is a severe form of brain damage.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the effectiveness of screening strategies for newborn infants to prevent chronic bilirubin encephalopathy.
    • To assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for hyperbilirubinemia.

    Main Methods:

    • A supplemental review of a 2003 evidence report was conducted.
    • Experimental and observational studies with comparison groups were reviewed.
    • Case reports/series were included to assess harms of phototherapy.

    Main Results:

    • The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) reviewed existing evidence.
    • The USPSTF considered evidence on various screening strategies.
    • This topic was new for the USPSTF.

    Conclusions:

    • Evidence is insufficient to assess the benefits and harms of screening for hyperbilirubinemia.
    • The USPSTF concluded that current evidence does not support or refute screening for this condition.
    Abstract

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