Clinical Research Directory

Newborn Abdominal Massage to Prevent Hyperbilirubinemia

The proposed study will incorporate an intervention previously un-studied in the US healthcare setting for prevention of hyperbilirubinemia

Aluminum Foil Reflector on Phototherapy for Newborn with Jaundice

Hyperbilirubinemia is defined as the presence of bilirubin in the serum of newborns at levels exceeding the normal range. It is the most common problem among healthy newborns, with an incidence of approximately 40% to 60% in full-term infants. The primary cause is the immature bilirubin metabolism in newborns, leading to the accumulation of excess bilirubin in the blood, which in turn results in a temporary yellowing of the skin and sclera, known as jaundice. Physiological jaundice in full-term newborns typically appears 24 to 72 hours after birth, peaking on days 4 to 5. Studies have shown that neonatal jaundice is a leading cause of readmission after discharge. Phototherapy is the most effective and safest treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. It takes advantage of bilirubin's sensitivity to light, converting bilirubin into water-soluble conjugated bilirubin, which is then excreted through bile and urine, thereby reducing total bilirubin levels. The most effective light during phototherapy has a wavelength of 400 nm to 520 nm and an intensity of at least 30 microW/cm²/nm, with at least 80% of the infant's body surface area exposed. This study aims to investigate whether using aluminum foil reflective covering around the phototherapy incubator can enhance the effectiveness of light treatment for jaundice in infants, thus potentially reducing the duration of phototherapy required.

Pacifier Use During Phototherapy in Newborns With Hyperbilirubinemia

Hyperbilirubinemia; It is a common condition that usually occurs physiologically in newborns. Phototherapy is used in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Babies cry while receiving phototherapy, the mother's inability to hold her baby in her arms, her inability to breastfeed, and the invasive procedures (bloodletting) stress the baby. Pacifiers are used among individualized developmental care practices to calm the baby and reduce stress. Another benefit of pacifiers for the baby is on the gastrointestinal system. Non-nutritive sucking stimulates oro-motor development, facilitates the development of sucking behavior and facilitates digestion in enteral feeding. Considering all these benefits, this study aimed to determine the effect of pacifier use during phototherapy on stress and bilirubin levels in newborns with hyperbilirubinemia.