Keywords
hyperbilirubinemia
phototherapy
infant newborn
premature birth
How to Cite
Abstract
This systematic review evaluated therapeutic interventions for neonatal jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia in newborns and premature infants based on randomized controlled trials published in PubMed within the last five years. The primary objective was to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness and safety of phototherapy, exchange transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulins, phenobarbital, and ursodeoxycholic acid, along with adjuvant therapies. The review identified twenty-five eligible randomized controlled trials. Results confirm phototherapy as a cornerstone treatment, with findings suggesting benefits from variations like intermittent and circumferential phototherapy, as well as specific LED wavelengths (478 nm). Adjuvant therapies such as oral zinc, probiotics/synbiotics, ursodeoxycholic acid, and massage therapy demonstrated potential in reducing bilirubin levels and/or shortening phototherapy duration. Home phototherapy emerged as a safe and cost-effective alternative for selected infants. While the evidence supports optimizing phototherapy and exploring adjuvants, heterogeneity among studies and limitations in reporting quality necessitate further rigorous research to confirm long-term benefits and guide clinical guidelines.
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