Efficacy of Intermittent Phototherapy versus Continuous Phototherapy for Treatment of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

AIMS

We review the current literatures to determine whether intermittent phototherapy is more effective than continuous phototherapy in treating neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

DESIGN

The systematic review is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used for reporting methods and results of synthesis with meta-analysis. Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWIM) guidelines were used for reporting methods and results of synthesis without meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCE

Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine, VIP Database, and Wanfang Database.

REVIEW METHODS

PICOS eligibility criteria were used to select original studies published from 1984 through 2019. Data were statistically extracted and evaluated using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 416 records were identified through database searching. Four studies (three randomized studies and one retrospective study) meet the final inclusion criteria. Seven hundred and sixteen neonates were included in the meta-analysis. There was no difference in the treatment efficacy and total serum bilirubin (TSB), while there was a significant difference in phototherapy duration and side effects after treatment of intermittent phototherapy and continuous phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

CONCLUSION

Intermittent phototherapy appeared to be as effective as continuous phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia and is safer than continuous phototherapy. Healthcare organizations and health workers should choose intermittent phototherapy as the preferred therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

IMPACT

Intermittent phototherapy is an effective, feasible, and safer treatment method for the infants with hyperbilirubinaemia in paediatric department. Healthcare organizations and health workers should choose intermittent phototherapy as the preferred therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.