Efficacy of Skin-to-Skin Care With Phototherapy in Neonatal Jaundice: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Intermittent skin-to-skin care (SSC) during phototherapy for neonatal jaundice improves breast milk consumption and reduces enterohepatic circulation. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of SSC on the rate of fall in bilirubin in neonatal jaundice. The secondary objectives were maximum TSB, duration of phototherapy, duration of hospital stay, weight gain, feeding and stooling pattern.

In this randomised controlled trial, otherwise healthy late preterm and term neonates of birth weight ≥ 2 kg, who required phototherapy (AAP 2004 guidelines) and if the mother was available for giving SSC, were included. The intervention group received 2 h of SSC every 8 h while on phototherapy. The control group received only phototherapy. At the time of discharge, a feedback questionnaire was used to objectively assess the mother's experience.

Of the 88 neonates enrolled (44 in SSC group; 44 in control group), the rate of fall of bilirubin was similar between the groups (0.18 mg/dL/h in SSC vs. 0.19 mg/dL/h in control; p = 0.49). The duration of phototherapy in hours (34.76 vs. 38.54; p = 0.19) and duration of hospitalisation in hours (38.8 vs. 42.0; p = 0.28) were also similar. The median total feedback questionnaire score was 37 for a maximum score of 40, indicating high maternal satisfaction and bonding.

Intermittent skin-to-skin care during phototherapy did not affect the rate of fall of bilirubin. SSC is safe during phototherapy and is associated with high maternal satisfaction and bonding during the hospital stay.

Clinical Trial Registry-India, www.ctri.nic.in: CTRI/2023/04/051798.