Abstract

RETROSPETIVE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF NEONETAL JAUNDICE CASES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL TIRUPPUR

Dr. R. Senthilselvi, M.Pharm. Ph.D, *Anees Rahmant, S. Rajarajan, M.Pharm, Dr. J. Nandhakumar, M.Pharm., Ph.D. and Dr. V. Ganesan, M.Pharm, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is provides recommendations aimed to improve management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in infants. The role of developmental assessment is to see that the child is progressing as per norms set by a large majority of children of the same age. It is by no means a predictor of future intelligent quotient and any deviation from the normal is brought to the notice of the parents, only in reassuring ways. The cause and effect relation between developmental deficits and risk factors can be much more complicated than we imagine. We cannot presume that neonatal jaundice will lead to mental retardation, fine and gross motor abnormalities, hearing loss and vision problems. But most of the children have developmental disabilities after neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy (PTx) remains the mainstay of treating hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. PTx is highly effective and carries an excellent safety track record of over 50 years. It acts by converting insoluble bilirubin (unconjugated) into soluble isomers that can be excreted in urine and feces. Many review articles have provided detailed discussion on phototherapy related issues. The bilirubin molecule isomerizes to harmless forms under blue-green light (460 to 490 nm); and the light sources having high irradiance in this particular wavelength range are more effective than the others.

Keywords: Hyperbilrubinemia, jaundice, phototherapy.