The Effect of Oil Massage on Levels of Serum Bilirubin in Term Neonates Undergoing Phototherapy in S.V.R.R.G.G hospital, Tirupati

Abstract

Objective: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, or jaundice, is a condition where newborn have elevated bilirubin levels, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes. The present study was planned and implemented to evaluate how infant oil massage affects neonates receiving phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. Materials and methods: It is a cross-sectional experimental clinical study. The study population includes Term neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia admitted for phototherapy in the Neonatalogy Unit in the department of Pediatrics, S.V.R.R.G.G hospital, S.V. Medical College. Massage therapy is given with virgin coconut oil obtained by grinding coconuts, according to the International Association of infant massage guidelines, a trained person will give massage to all study group neonates twice a day before meals for 15-20min during which phototherapy is stopped. Bilirubin levels were checked by a standard biochemical protocol. Results: The results of the present study showed that most of the study population was male neonates (58%) and half of them have presented with jaundice on day 4 of life. It was also found that the mean value of bilirubin concentration was decreased significantly day-wise after birth and the birth weight of the neonate was insignificantly increased from admission and after the treatment. The study also concludes that the bilirubin concentration was decreased better with phototherapy and oil massage. It was also found that, there was an improvement of defecation with phototherapy along with oil massage in day 3 and day 5 age neonates. Most of the neonates showed highest defecation per day then there will be a chance of decrease of bilirubin concentration. Conclusion: The study also concludes that, the bilirubin concentration was decreased better with phototherapy and oil massage. Even though this study adds to the evidence supporting massage therapy; the advantages of this treatment for neonatal jaundice remain unclear. More research is required to determine the actual impact of these supplemental therapies on the course of neonatal jaundice.