The effect of two different bath methods applied to the newborns WHO gets phototherapy on bilirubin level

This study was conducted as a clinical, randomized controlled, experimental, prospective study to determine the effect of eruptive bath and shower on newborns receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia on the bilirubin level. The study was performed in Düzce University Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between April 2017 and May 2018. A total of 90 patients were selected for the study, in accordance with the study protocol and in equal number in each group. 30 babies were taken to the control group, 30 babies were wiped baths and 30 babies were showered. Incorporation of babies into groups was done randomly. Except for the routine clinical practices, no intervention was made for the infants in the control group. Bath was given to the infants in the both experimental group by researcher. The bilirubin levels was measured and compared, before phototheraphy and at the 6th, 18th and 30th hours of phototherapy. As a result of multiple comparison test; Bilirubin values measured at 18th and 30th hours were significantly lower in the wash bath group (p=0,046; p<0001) and in the wiping bath group (p=0,019; p<0,018) than the control group. In conclusion; bathing in the form of a wiping wash on the baby who will take the phototherapy treatment has made the bilirubin levels fall faster. According to this result, wiping or washing bath can be used as a supporting method for babies taking phototherapy to decrease the bilirubin level of babies faster and to shorten the duration of treatment. Key words: bath, hyperbilirubinemia, newborn