[Comparison of triple and double phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia]

ABSTRACT

Icterus is the most common medical problem in neonates. Phototherapy is standard treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This study aims to compare efficacy and length of hospitalization of double and triple phototherapy in term newborns with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. In a randomized clinical trial, 40 healthy term newborns [gestational age > 37 weeks] with weight >/= 2500 gr and bilirubin >/= 12 and >/= 15 mg/dl in the second and third day, respectively, were randomly assigned to triple [n=20] or double phototherapy [n=20] groups. Total and direct serum bilirubin was measured at admission, 8, 16 and 24 hours after beginning of phototherapy, and thus each 12 hours until discharge [when bilirubin reached phototherapy reduced Indirect bilirubin in both groups [P< 0.000]. There was no difference in mean of both weigh, time of Icter and mean of total bilirubin in scheduled time between triple and double groups. Triple phototherapy failed to reduce total serum bilirubin and shorten length of hospitalization more rapidly than double phototherapy