Effectiveness of Aluminum Foil vs White Linen Reflectors in Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

NCT ID: NCT07266246

Last Updated: 2025-12-05

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

27 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2024-12-30

Study Completion Date

2025-12-01

Brief Summary

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Background: Indirect hyperbilirubinemia (IHB) is a common neonatal condition, affecting over 60% of term and 80% of preterm infants. Phototherapy is the most widely used, safe, and non-invasive treatment; however, scattering of phototherapy light decreases treatment efficacy, prolongs therapy duration, and increases the risk of side effects. Reflective materials have been suggested to enhance phototherapy effectiveness, yet studies comparing different reflector types remain limited.

Aim: This study aims to compare the effects of using reflective materials (white cloth or aluminum foil) during phototherapy on total serum bilirubin levels, phototherapy duration, length of hospital stay, vital signs, side effects, and nurses' satisfaction in neonates with physiological IHB.

Methods: This single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Cebeci Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. A total of 81 neonates with gestational age 35-42 weeks and total serum bilirubin levels of 15-20 mg/dl will be randomly assigned into three groups: (1) phototherapy with white cloth reflectors, (2) phototherapy with aluminum foil reflectors, and (3) standard phototherapy (control). Data will be collected using an Introductory Information Form, Daily Follow-up Chart, Side Effect Observation Form, and Nurse Satisfaction Questionnaire. Statistical analyses will include parametric and non-parametric tests based on distribution assumptions, with significance set at p\<0.05.

Expected Results: It is hypothesized that the use of reflective materials will result in faster reduction of total serum bilirubin, shorter phototherapy and hospitalization durations, more stable vital signs, fewer side effects, and higher nurse satisfaction compared with standard phototherapy.

Conclusion: The study will provide evidence on the comparative effectiveness of two low-cost reflector materials in enhancing phototherapy outcomes, potentially offering a practical and efficient strategy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia management.

Detailed Description

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Conditions

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Premature Phototherapy Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Nursing

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Group using a white sheet as reflective material in conjunction with phototherapy

The three sides of the incubator will be covered with a cardboard panel, cut to fit the incubator dimensions, lined with white linen cloth on the inner surface (length 88 cm, width 47 cm, height 34 cm).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

reflective material

Intervention Type OTHER

When receiving phototherapy treatment in groups, reflective materials (aluminum foil-coated sheet or white sheet-covered sheet) were placed in the incubators.

Group Using Aluminum Foil as Reflective Material in Combination with Phototherapy

The incubators will be enclosed by a panel covered with aluminum foil on three sides (long side 88 cm, short side 47 cm, height 34 cm).

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

reflective material

Intervention Type OTHER

When receiving phototherapy treatment in groups, reflective materials (aluminum foil-coated sheet or white sheet-covered sheet) were placed in the incubators.

Group Receiving Standard Single Phototherapy

Infants will receive treatment in accordance with standard phototherapy practice.

Group Type NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

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reflective material

When receiving phototherapy treatment in groups, reflective materials (aluminum foil-coated sheet or white sheet-covered sheet) were placed in the incubators.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Neonates with total serum bilirubin levels between 15-20 mg/dL
* Gestational age between 35-42 weeks
* Birth weight between 2500-4000 g
* APGAR score of 7-10 at the 1st and 5th minutes after birth
* Fed with breast milk and/or formula
* Written and verbal informed consent obtained from parents
* Neonates who can be reached on the first day of phototherapy treatment

Exclusion Criteria

* Neonates with Rh incompatibility
* Neonates with ABO incompatibility
* Neonates with any congenital anomaly
* Neonates with asphyxia
* Neonates receiving intensive (double) phototherapy
* Neonates with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
* Neonates with serum bilirubin levels close to the exchange transfusion threshold
* Neonates whose parents do not consent to participation in the study
Minimum Eligible Age

36 Weeks

Maximum Eligible Age

42 Weeks

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Baskent University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Locations

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Ankara Bilkent City Hospital

Ankara, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Turkey (Türkiye)

Central Contacts

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Kübra Nur Kabakcı Sarıdağ

Role: CONTACT

+905079149033

Figen Isık Esenay

Role: CONTACT

+905326869514

Facility Contacts

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Cennet E Ediz Ülgen, RN

Role: primary

+905446765108

Other Identifiers

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KUBRAN

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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