The Relationship between Using Intensive Phototherapy in Decreasing the Need for blood Exchange in Neonatal Jaundice in the West Bank of Palestine: A Retrospective Study رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Background: The most prevalent condition found during the 1st week of life is newborn jaundice. 10% of infants have the potential to have serious hyperbilirubinemia, which requires strict treatment and surveillance. Although phototherapy successfully treats the majority of neonatal jaundice, high-risk neonates may require (ET). Aim: to assess the relationship between using intensive phototherapy and decreasing the need for blood exchange in neonatal jaundice in the West Bank of Palestine. Methodology: A retrospective, descriptive, quantitative study design was conducted at tertiary care hospitals (Governmental & private) on the north of West Bank which contain neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and treat hyperbilirubinemia with intensive phototherapy and blood exchange. A convincing sample was composed of (323) neonates who participated in the study during the data collection period. Result: a virtually equal gender distribution of 48.0% male and 52.0% female. According to growth chart research, most (91.0%) of babies were delivered full term. Normal deliveries accounted for 54.8%, while 44.3% were born via Caesarean section, and breastfeeding was the most common feeding option (64.4%). A considerable portion (16.4%) underwent double-volume exchange transfusions, whereas the majority (83.6%) received intensive phototherapy treatments. Blood group A was the most common (55.7%), and total serum bilirubin levels decreased from 30 mg/dl at birth to 11.0 mg/dl by the seventh day. Conclusion: the findings imply that intensive phototherapy and associated clinical parameters are critical in the management of hyperbilirubinemia. Intensive phototherapy in order is a v safe and effective treatment for severe hyperbilirubinemia. Patients with hyperbilirubinemia may require a more rigorous rationale for Blood Exchange. However, a contingency plan for emergency Blood Exchange should be implemented as soon as intensive phototherapy begins, especially for infants with risk factors. If intensive phototherapy is proven to be effective, it is recommended to minimize the use of Blood Exchange.