Critical overview of the management of neonatal jaundice in the UK

Improving Effectiveness of Phototherapy in an Academic Center: A Quality Improvement Project

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common cause of delayed discharge and readmissions in our institution. As previously published, the irradiance our phototherapy (PT) units provided was below the irradiance recommended by the AAP for intensive phototherapy (>30 µW/cm²/nm). We measured irradiance delivered by our PT units (Drager 4000) using a standardized footprint grid. By varying number of blue and white fluorescent PT lights, height of PT unit above the neonate and type of bed used (open bassinet versus isolette), we determined the optimal PT arrangement needed to deliver intensive PT (30 µW/cm²/nm). We then developed a standardized, multidisciplinary protocol specifying light arrangement and distance required needed to achieve the desired irradiance level. We were able to show improved irradiance following above changes. Onsite measurement of irradiance provided by local phototherapy units and development of a multidisciplinary, standardized protocol are necessary to assure delivery of recommended levels PT for neonates with hyperbilirubinemia.

Knowledge of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Among Primary Health Care Physicians: A Single-Center Experience

Background and objectives:

To evaluate the knowledge of the primary health care physicians (PHCP) in Kalubia governorate, Egypt, about the causes, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB).

Methods:

Cross-sectional survey distributed by interview to 500 physicians working in the primary health care (PHC) sector in Kalubia.

Results:

Out of 500 distributed surveys, 419 (84%) PHCP completed the questionnaire. They represent 174 (90%) out of 193 PHC units and centers. About 18% were males and 82% females with mean age of 28.5 ± 5.2 years, and mean duration of work was 3.3 ± 4.4 years. All of the respondents have patients with NHB in their daily practice. The knowledge of the PHCP was good in some aspects about NHB; however, it was poor and may be even hazardous in other aspects.

Conclusions:

Many areas of defects are detected in PHCP knowledge about NHB. Pre-service and continuous training of the PHCP about the diagnosis and management of NHB are essential.

Does anaesthesia in mothers during delivery affect bilirubin levels in their neonates?

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