How far below the treatment line should bilirubin be before phototherapy is stopped in neonatal jaundice to prevent needing readmission for further phototherapy?

Report By: Dr Nicola Crowley and Dr Russell Peek - F2 and Consultant
Institution: Gloucestershire Royal Infirmary
Date Submitted: 10th January 2009
Last Modified: 10th January 2009
Status: Red (incomplete)

Three Part Question

In [babies older than 35 weeks who are jaundice] at [what level of serum bilirubin can the phototherapy be stopped] and [the baby not need readmitting for phototherapy]?

Clinical Scenario

A 36 hour old well baby born at term is jaundiced at their baby check and the serum bilirubin is 270 millimoles/litre (above treatment line according to Canadian PaediatricSociety guidelines, 2007). The baby is put under phototherapy but how much under the treatment line should the bilirubin be before the phototherapy can be stopped to prevent the baby needing to be readmitted for phototherapy.