A study on effect of phototherapy on platelet count in neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia: a hospital based prospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Thrombocytopenia as a side effect of phototherapy has not been mentioned in standard literature and textbooks. Though there are few studies in this regard, but results are conflicting. Aims and Objective: Hence, the present study is undertaken to find out whether any significant change in platelet count occurs following phototherapy, and if there be any, to see whether the changes are transient or not. Materials and Methods: This prospective and observational study was carried out over a period of one and half years (1st March 2019 to 31st August 2020) on 190 new-borns admitted with idiopathic unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia needing phototherapy through consecutive enrolment. Serum bilirubin (total, conjugated and unconjugated) and platelet count were done before initiation and just after completion of phototherapy, and seven days after completion of phototherapy. Appropriate statistical tests were used to make statistical comparisons with a p-value of 0.05) between reduction in platelet count with gender. Conclusions: Though the incidence of thrombocytopenia following phototherapy was significant, but it was mostly mild and transient, and clinically insignificant. There was significant association between decrease of platelet count with duration of phototherapy and lower gestational age.

Keywords

• thrombocytopenia
• phototherapy
• neonatal jaundice