Comparing the Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on the Serum Bilirubin Level of Term Neonates With Hyperbilirubinemia Under Phototherapy

Introduction and objectives Neonatal jaundice is often treated by phototherapy. Phototherapy is an inexpensive, uncomplicated, and relatively safe treatment option. However, considering certain side effects associated with phototherapy and the resultant mother-infant separation, measures to minimize exposure to phototherapy should be sought. Thus, this study was planned to investigate the effects of combining intermittent kangaroo mother care (KMC) on the duration of phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH). Materials and methods It was an observational analytical study. All full-term breastfed infants older than 24 hours of age with bilirubin levels in the phototherapy range were included. The newborns at the time of admission were randomly assigned by simple computer-generated randomization into two groups of 26 cases each (control group and KMC group). In both groups, phototherapy was conducted using standard methods. Infants in the KMC group received intermittent KMC in conjunction with phototherapy. The duration of phototherapy required to treat NNH was the primary outcome. Results The infants of the two groups were not significantly different in terms of gender, type of delivery, gestational age, infant's age, mean birth weight, and onset of jaundice, indicating homogenous groups. The median duration of phototherapy was significantly higher in the control group than in the KMC group (p = 0.022). The control group consistently showed higher bilirubin levels than the KMC group: at 24 hours (13.2 mg/dL vs. 11.7 mg/dL, p = 0.047) and 48 hours (11.7 mg/dL vs. 9.9 mg/dL, p = 0.038). Conclusion These findings indicate that complementary KMC with phototherapy may reduce the duration of phototherapy in neonatal jaundice.