Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/929132

OpenURL Link
Title
'Halving the heel pricks': evaluation of a neonatal jaundice protocol incorporating the use of a transcutaneous bilirubinometer
Author/Creator
Hartshorn, David;  Buckmaster, Adam
Institution
The University of Newcastle. Faculty of Health, School of Medicine and Public Health
Description
Aim: This study aimed to assess the impact of implementing a new jaundice protocol incorporating the use of the Konica Minolta/Air Shields JM 103 Jaundice Meter (JM103) (Konica Minolta Sensing Inc., Osaka, Japan) in the setting of an Australian post-natal ward. Methods: A before-and-after study was completed following the introduction of a protocol integrating the use of the JM103 monitor on to the post-natal ward. Eligible infants were ≥36 weeks gestation, >24 h and <8 days of age. The number of Total Serum Bilirubin tests (TSBRs) were compared for the 12 months prior (T1) with a 6-month period and 6 months after protocol introduction (T2). Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcBR) results were also collected in T2. Rates of phototherapy and peak TSBRs at commencement were also compared as measures of safety. Results: Four hundred and twenty-six of the 2197 live births in T1 required one or more TSBRs compared with 119 of the 1169 live births in T2. This represents an odds ratio of 0.47 (95% confidence interval 0.38–0.58) for infants in T2 having ≥1 TSBR compared with T1. There was no difference between the groups for rates of phototherapy (3.8% vs. 3.0%; P = 0.2) nor any difference between the groups for peak SBR during phototherapy (301.9 μmol/L (standard deviation, SD 58) for T1 vs. 303.2 μmol/L (SD 54) for T2; P = 0.45). The estimated cost saving per year is $6966.00. Conclusion: TcBR measurement in conjunction with our protocol significantly reduces painful procedures and costs without increasing the risk of delaying treatment with phototherapy.
Relation
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Vol. 46, Issue 10, p. 595-599
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1754.2010.01801.x
Date
2010
Publisher
Wiley-Blackwell Publishing
Keyword(s)
bilirubin;  hyperbilirubinemia;  infant;  jaundice;  neonatal;  phototherapy
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/929132
Identifier
ISSN:1034-4810
Reviewed
Reviewed
28 Visitors 30 Hits 0 Downloads
Save/E-mail Citation
Citation Format
E-mail Address
Subject
"Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health"
 
OR