Document Detail


Survey of management of neonatal haemolytic jaundice in Australasia.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20412407     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Haemolytic jaundice is an important entity in neonatal clinical practice. Because of the decrease in rhesus isoimmunisation since the advent of anti-D immunoglobulin and improved antenatal management strategies, its management in the neonatal period has become less intensive and exchange transfusions rarely performed. AIM: We planned to review the practice of Australasian perinatal units in light of recent advances and recommendations. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to the directors of all 25 tertiary-level perinatal units across Australasia. The questionnaire comprised 20 questions dealing with the management of haemolytic jaundice. RESULTS: Twenty out of the 25 neonatal units responded. Most were aware of the recent American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, but only eight (40%) based their practice on it. Fifty per cent of neonatal units had written protocols to manage such infants, but almost all had written guidelines for performing exchange transfusions. Seven (35%) units started prophylactic phototherapy; however, the criteria used for early exchange were variable, most related to cord haemoglobin or rate of rise of bilirubin. Few units used high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin in haemolytic jaundice. Average exchange rates (based on the last 2 years) were 3.5/year (0-10). CONCLUSION: Variable practice was noted across the Australasian units. Written protocols form the backbone of management of jaundice in such babies. The use of intravenous immunoglobulin is minimal, and the information available on its use needs to be critically appraised.
Authors:
Atul Malhotra; Elizabeth Carse
Related Documents :
1190117 - Acupuncture in otolaryngology.
2027937 - The alexithymia construct. a potential paradigm for psychosomatic medicine.
15162747 - Lunar phase and catch success of the striped marlin (tetrapturus audax) in sport fishin...
18514817 - Management of acute ischemic stroke.
11929507 - Ambulatory morning report: can it prepare residents for the american board of internal ...
10488267 - Aana journal course: update for nurse anesthetists--err watch: anesthesia crisis resour...
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2010-04-16
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of paediatrics and child health     Volume:  46     ISSN:  1440-1754     ISO Abbreviation:  J Paediatr Child Health     Publication Date:  2010 May 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-07-06     Completed Date:  2010-10-27     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9005421     Medline TA:  J Paediatr Child Health     Country:  Australia    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  222-5     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Monash Newborn, Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Anemia, Hemolytic / drug therapy*,  etiology
Australasia
Clinical Protocols
Health Surveys
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Perinatal Care / statistics & numerical data*
Physician's Practice Patterns

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Hypokalaemia and failure to thrive: report of a misleading onset.
Next Document:  Accuracy of weight status perception in contemporary Australian children and adolescents.