DefinePK

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of rebound of raised serum bilirubin after phototherapy in neonates with jaundice along with associated risk factors.
Study Design: A Cross-Sectional Prospective Study.
Place and duration of Study. Pediatric Department of Women and Children Hospital Abbottabad, from February 2024 to January 2025
 Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional prospective study conducted at the Pediatric Department of Women and Children's Hospital, Abbottabad, from February 2024 to January 2025. This study included 154 neonates (aged ≤7 days) with jaundice who were treated with phototherapy. Patients had serum bilirubin reduction of <5 mg/dL post-phototherapy from the initiation threshold. Bilirubin was measured 24±6 hours after stopping phototherapy. Risk factors were assessed through blood smear, reticulocyte count, direct Coombs test, G6PD test, and blood grouping of both the mother and the neonate. Data were collected using a structured pro forma, adhering to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and analyzed with SPSS version 20.
Results: Of the 154 patients, 92 were males (59.7%), and 62 were females (40.3%), with a mean age of 59.24±13.99 years. The mean gestational age was 37.17±2.7 weeks. A total of 34 (22.1%) neonates developed significant rebound of raised serum bilirubin. Gestation less than 35 weeks, birth weight <2000gm, and hemolytic disease were significant risk factors (ρ value<0.005) for the significant rebound of raised serum bilirubin.
CONCLUSION: Clinically significant rebound in serum bilirubin levels may occur after phototherapy, particularly in neonates with gestational age under 35 weeks, birth weight below 2000 grams, or underlying hemolytic disease. These risk factors should be carefully considered when planning post-phototherapy monitoring and follow-up.