Back to Search
Start Over
Implementation of a neonatal transcutaneous bilirubin screening programme in rural India.
- Source :
-
Paediatrics & International Child Health . May2016, Vol. 36 Issue 2, p122-126. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Background: Universal pre-discharge assessment of risk for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A common algorithm is universal transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening, followed by confirmatory total serum bilirubin (TSB) testing for results which cause concern. There is a paucity of data on the feasibility of TcB screening in low-income settings. Objectives: To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing universal TcB screening at a resource-limited hospital in rural India, and to determine if it was associated with increased recognition of high-risk hyperbilirubinaemia. Methods: In December 2012 at Vivekananda Memorial Hospital, Karnataka, India, universal TcB screening at 24–48 hours of life was implemented, with TSB estimated if TcB was >75th percentile for age. The proportion of families that provided consent and the proportion of infants who underwent TcB and TSB testing were calculated. The rates of phototherapy pre- and post-implementation and the rate of high-risk hyperbilirubinaemia (TSB >95th percentile for age) post-implementation among infants ≥ 35 weeks gestation were determined. Results: Parents of 568 of 660 (86%) eligible infants consented to participation. All of these infants were screened with TcB. The proportion who had TSB testing was similar in the pre- (6%) and post-implementation (7%) periods. The rate of phototherapy was not significantly different after implementation (2%vs3%). Five cases of high-risk hyperbilirubinaemia were identified post-implementation. Conclusions: The study demonstrates the acceptability and feasibility of universal TcB screening at a resource-limited hospital in rural India. In settings in which early post-discharge follow-up cannot be assured, TcB can play a valuable role in identifying infants who need evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- *NEONATAL jaundice
*HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA
*BILIRUBIN
*MEDICAL screening
*PUBLIC health
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20469047
- Volume :
- 36
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Paediatrics & International Child Health
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 116146554
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1179/2046905515Y.0000000013