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Subject Area

Pediatrics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of phototherapy on peripheral eosinophil counts in newborns with severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia needing phototherapy. Methods We conducted a search of Medline databases (PubMed, Medscape, ScienceDirect) and all materials available on the Internet. The initial search presented one articles that met the inclusion criteria. The articles studied the relation between peripheral eosinophil count and exposure to phototherapy. If the studies did not fulfill the inclusion criteria, they were excluded. Studies were assessed for whether ethical approval had been obtained, eligibility criteria has been specified, appropriate controls had been considered, adequate information had been provided, and assessment measures had been defined. Comparisons were made by means of structured review with the results tabulated. Results The study was conducted on 30 neonates suffering from severe indirect hyperbilirubinemia who served as the patient group and another 30 neonates who were normal and served as the control group. It was found that there was an increase in peripheral eosinophil count in neonates who were treated with phototherapy for 48–72 h. Conclusion Peripheral eosinophil count may be affected by phototherapy. The exact mechanism of neonatal jaundice/phototherapy and later risk of developing asthma is not clear yet, and further prospective studies in larger groups are needed. Neonatologists should concentrate on underlying problems, as eosinophilia is sometimes clinically insignificant with regard to morbidity and requires no specific treatment. In fact, it may be indirect evidence of clinical recovery. Unless eosinophilia is associated with clinical symptomatology, medical evaluation should be limited to routine follow-up examinations and repeat monitoring of absolute eosinophil counts.

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