Phototherapy in transport for neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia

Abstract

Aim In Victoria, neonates with severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia at risk of requiring exchange transfusion are retrieved by the Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retrieval Service and transferred to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit where an exchange transfusion can be performed if necessary. Transfer may result in prolonged periods without phototherapy in neonates at risk of developing bilirubin encephalopathy. We aimed to describe our experience of the introduction of phototherapy using a portable phototherapy unit during transport. Methods Neonates with a primary diagnosis of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia were identified from the Paediatric Infant Perinatal Emergency Retr..