Comparative Efficacy of Treatment Protocols for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Swat, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition among newborns, often leading to jaundice and requiring careful monitoring. Early intervention is crucial to prevent potential neurotoxic effects. This study aims to assess bilirubin levels and evaluate treatment protocols over a specified time frame to determine efficacy in reducing bilirubin levels effectively and safely.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment in reducing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and compare bilirubin levels at different time intervals, thus identifying optimal approaches for early and sustained reduction.

Study Design: A Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of the Study. Department of Pharmacology, Saidu Medical College, Swat KP – Pakistan from January 2021 to December 2021

Methodology: This was Cross sectional study involves 150 neonates, divided into two groups of 75 each. Bilirubin levels were recorded at baseline, 12, 24, and 48 hours using a standardized proforma. Treatment efficacy was analyzed using statistical tools, assessing mean bilirubin levels, standard deviation, and p-values to determine the significance of changes over time across both groups.

Results: Out of 150 neonates, the mean bilirubin levels at baseline were 12.5±2.3 mg/dL in Group A and 12.2±2.1 mg/dL in Group B (p=0.31). At 48 hours, Group A showed a significant reduction to 8.1±1.9 mg/dL, while Group B decreased to 9.4±2.0 mg/dL, with a p-value of 0.03, indicating statistical significance. The difference in bilirubin reduction between groups was thus both clinically and statistically significant, favoring Group A’s treatment protocol.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that targeted treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is effective in reducing bilirubin levels over a 48-hour period. Group A’s protocol yielded a greater reduction compared to Group B, suggesting potential benefits for early, more intensive intervention. These findings can guide clinical practices in managing neonatal jaundice with greater precision and efficiency.