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Home-based phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A one-time Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program Survey
Karissa Young1, Charlotte Moore Hepburn2, Michael Miller1,3
1Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
Paediatrics & Child Health
|August 4, 2025
Summary
Home-based phototherapy (HP) for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in Canada showed no serious adverse events in a recent survey. While available, HP access is limited and lacks standardization, requiring further study for safe, widespread implementation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatrics
- Public health
Background:
- Home-based phototherapy (HP) is an emerging alternative to hospital treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
- The safety and adverse event profile of HP require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize adverse events (AEs) associated with home-based phototherapy in Canada.
- To explore risk factors and outcomes related to HP for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Main Methods:
- A one-time retrospective survey was distributed to Canadian paediatricians via the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program.
- Data collected included HP utilization, AEs, risk factors, and outcomes, followed by descriptive statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- A 31% response rate yielded data from 497 paediatricians managing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia; 58 (12%) reported HP services.
- Fifteen physicians reported 21 AEs in the preceding 12 months, mostly requiring hospital admission for further phototherapy; no serious AEs or long-term consequences were noted.
- Infant-related factors were the most common risk factors identified (67% of cases).
Conclusions:
- The study found no serious adverse events related to home-based phototherapy in Canada over the past year.
- Despite availability, HP in Canada faces challenges of limited access and inconsistent administration protocols.
- This research offers crucial insights into the safety and current practices of HP for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in the Canadian context.
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