Comparison of double phototherapy vs single conventional phototherapy in treatment of Jaundiced neonates

Background: Light spectrum, irradiance and surface area of the infant exposed to phototherapy are key elements in determining the efficacy of phototherapy. Objective: To compare the effect of single phototherapy and double phototherapy in treatment of jaundiced neonates. Methods: This experiment was performed on term and preterm neonate in three groups (N=100), on the first ten days of life. The data was collected by the use of a questionnaire, containing information based on sex, gestational age, age in onset of therapy, weight in the onset and end of therapy, duration of phototherapy, range of bilirubin, and its side effects. The data was analyzed and compared by T-test. Findings: The average hours of phototherapy was 48.55 hrs, 45.63 hrs, and 42.83 hrs in the first, second and third group respectively. There was a significant relationship between groups and P value (P=0.0046). There was also a significant relationship between side-effects and kinds of phototherapy (P=0.0425). Conclusion: Phototherapy with four lamp in distance of 20 cm above the neonate is best recommended.