Critical overview of the management of neonatal jaundice in the UK.

AIM: To determine the current management of early neonatal jaundice in the UK and to evaluate whether the current practices are evidence based.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was carried out among identified lead paediatricians of neonatal intensive care units.

RESULTS

The survey found markedly differing practices for the recognition, investigation and treatment of neonatal jaundice. This applies particularly to confirmation of the clinical suspicion of jaundice; use of invasive and non-invasive technologies for diagnosis; preferred wavelength and intensity of light used for treatment; and whether birth weight, gestational age and postnatal age should influence treatment.

CONCLUSION

The study found a lack of consistency in the management of jaundiced infants in the UK. The evidence-based practice currently available does not appear to have been incorporated into treatment protocols.