JSWMC

Background: Most newborn babies experience jaundice after birth. In most cases, jaundice is benign; however, infants must be supervised since bilirubin may be dangerous to their health. Acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus is the potentially fatal side effect of extreme hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, the treatment of neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia is crucial. Method: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the department of Pediatrics, Sylhet Women's Medical College, Hospital in order to determine requirement of intravenous fluid therapy in neonatal jaundice. By simple random sampling, 300 neonates with non-hemolytic jaundice were enrolled. 134 neonates were allocated to Group A, and they received intravenous (IV) fluid along with phototherapy. Another 166 neonates were included in Group B who received phototherapy only. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) (Both direct and indirect) were measured initially and every 24 hours of treatment. All the neonates were be allowed to breastfeed during the treatment. The hydration status of neonates were checked at the beginning of the study, then every 8 hours for the next 24-72 hours. All the data were processed and analyzed in SPSS version 26. Chi-square test and independent sample ‘t’ test were used. p value < 0.05 will be considered as significant. Result: The serum total, direct and indirect bilirubin levels of the neonates were similar (p>0.05) in both groups. Upon discharge, total serum bilirubin levels were reduced earlier in infants who received intravenous supplementation in conjunction with phototherapy, but the result was not significant (p>0.05). The clinical outcome of the neonates was insignificant. The discharge period for neonates in both groups was comparable (p>0.05). Conclusion: In healthy term neonates with hyperbilirubinemia, intravenous fluid therapy does not provide significant benefits during phototherapy.