Changes in Total Serum Bilirubin Level During Phototherapy of Preterm Neonates in and Around Darbhanga

摘要

INTRODUCTION: Hyperbilirubinaemia is common in neonates. Bilirubin encephalopathy leading to development of kemicterus, deafness and mental retardation can be prevented by preventing the bilirubin level exceeding the physiological limit. In the surrounding area of Darbhanga, due to prevailing malnutrition, no proper ANC, poverty and ignorance among mothers and higher incidence of prematurity, sepsis, hypoxia, seizure and acidosis of neonates make more vulnerable for bilirubin toxicity leading to encephalopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cases selected for study were preterm neonates less than 35 weeks of gestation, aging less than 28 days with serum bilirubin level more than the threshold level to start phototherapy (based on Halamek Lp, Sterenson DK, 7~th Ed. St. Louis Mosby Year Book 2001) with stable vitals, birth weight more than 1500 gm and bilirubin range below the range for exchange transfusion. All neonates were kept under close observation for any possible adverse effects. Total 210 preterm neonates admitted in SNCU of Department of Pediatrics, Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital, Laheriasarai (Bihar) with above specifications were selected for the study.