Routine Phototherapy Vs Aluminum Foil Associated Phototherapy : Effect on Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Abstract

Background: Using reflective material such as aluminum foil increases light intensity on infants' bodies, which could influence hyperbilirubinemia. Purpose: To assess the effect of phototherapy alone versus in combination with reflective aluminum foil on newborns with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: A quasiexperimental research design was utilized. Setting: It was conducted in El-Khartoum Teaching Hospital at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Sudan. Sample: It involved a purposive sample of 60 newborns assigned to the study and control groups (30 newborns in each). Instruments: Two instruments were used for data collection (Characteristics of neonates structured questionnaire and neonatal outcomes structured questionnaire). Results: On admission, the level of bilirubin was 15.93 ± 2.97 among neonates in the study group and 15.67 ± 2.19 among neonates in the control group, while on discharge, the level of bilirubin was 9.03 ± 1.65 among neonates in the study group and 12.90 ± 1.79 among neonates in the control group. The mean difference in reduction of bilirubin level was very highly significant (P=0.00). The hospital stay of neonates in the study group was significantly shorter (5.77 ± .568 versus 11.60 ± .675, p=0.000) than in the control group. Conclusion: Phototherapy with aluminum foil reflectors for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia has a beneficial effect on reducing bilirubin levels and earlier discharge from the hospital. Recommendations: Nurses in hospitals should receive training on the use of phototherapy with an aluminum foil reflector as part of their standard care.