Abstract
Objective
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines for managing hyperbilirubinemia
in term newborns ≥35 weeks' gestation to prevent kernicterus. In 2022, the AAP revised
these guidelines by raising thresholds for serum bilirubin testing and phototherapy.
This study compares newborn outcomes before and after implementing the 2022 guidelines.
Study Design
A retrospective chart review of 2,087 newborns, with 1,058 in the “before” group,
using the 2004 guidelines, and 1,029 in the “after” group, using the 2022 guidelines.
Data collected included demographics, number of heel sticks for serum bilirubin, incidence
of phototherapy, and incidence of readmission for hyperbilirubinemia.
Results
There was a 64% reduction in serum bilirubin draws, a 51% decrease in phototherapy
sessions, and a 35% reduction in readmissions for phototherapy in the “after” group.
Conclusion
The 2022 AAP guidelines streamlined the management of hyperbilirubinemia, leading
to fewer interventions without affecting patient safety.
Key Points
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The recent AAP newborn jaundice guidelines result in fewer serum bilirubin levels
being drawn.
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The recent AAP newborn jaundice guidelines result in less phototherapy.
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The recent AAP newborn jaundice guidelines result in fewer readmissions for jaundice.
Keywords
hyperbilirubinemia - newborn - American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines - bilirubin
management
