Predictors of Rebound Hyperbilirubinemia Study
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- This is an observational study: the protocol does not assign a study treatment.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia, Rebound Hyperbilirubinemia. Basic parameters: 2 Hours — 28 Days · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
Unsure about the terms? Read our patient guide →
Official title
Predictors of Rebound Hyperbilirubinemia After Phototherapy in Neonates
Overview
\## Brief Summary Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common causes of neonatal hospitalization and phototherapy treatment. Although phototherapy is highly effective, rebound hyperbilirubinemia following discontinuation of phototherapy may occur in some infants and may require repeat treatment. Early identification of neonates at risk for clinically significant rebound hyperbilirubinemia could help optimize discharge timing and reduce unnecessary hospital stay and repeat bilirubin testing. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the predictors of rebound hyperbilirubinemia after phototherapy discontinuation in neonates admitted to the NICU. Particular focus will be placed on the role of delta total serum bilirubin (ΔTSB), defined as the difference between the phototherapy threshold and the measured bilirubin level at the time of phototherapy discontinuation. Clinical, demographic, laboratory, hemolytic, feeding-related, and phototherapy-related variables will also be analyzed. The primary outcome will be clinically significant rebound hyperbilirubinemia requiring repeat phototherapy within 24-48 hours after discontinuation of the initial phototherapy treatment. Secondary outcomes include rebound bilirubin levels, duration of hospitalization, and factors associated with repeat phototherapy.
Detailed description
\## Detailed Description
Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia remains one of the leading causes of neonatal hospitalization worldwide. Phototherapy is the standard treatment for significant unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and is highly effective in reducing serum bilirubin levels. However, a subset of neonates may develop rebound hyperbilirubinemia after discontinuation of phototherapy, occasionally requiring repeat phototherapy and prolonged hospitalization.
Current evidence regarding predictors of rebound hyperbilirubinemia remains limited, particularly in prospective NICU-based cohorts. Identification of infants at increased risk for clinically significant rebound hyperbilirubinemia may improve individualized monitoring strategies, optimize timing of discharge, and reduce unnecessary bilirubin measurements and hospital stay.
This prospective observational study will include neonates admitted to the NICU and treated with phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. Clinical and laboratory parameters associated with rebound hyperbilirubinemia will be evaluated. Special emphasis will be placed on delta total serum bilirubin (ΔTSB), defined as the difference between the phototherapy threshold recommended by current guidelines and the measured total serum bilirubin level at the time of phototherapy discontinuation.
Additional variables including gestational age, postnatal age at phototherapy initiation, feeding type, hemolytic risk factors, bilirubin kinetics, and phototherapy characteristics will also be analyzed. Rebound bilirubin measurements will be obtained within 24-48 hours after discontinuation of phototherapy according to unit protocol.
The primary objective is to determine predictors of clinically significant rebound hyperbilirubinemia requiring repeat phototherapy. Secondary objectives include evaluation of bilirubin rebound levels, hospitalization duration, and the association between phototherapy characteristics and rebound risk.
Primary outcome measures
- Clinically Significant Rebound Hyperbilirubinemia Requiring Repeat Phototherapy [Time frame: Within 48 hours after phototherapy discontinuation]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Neonates admitted to the NICU with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
- Gestational age ≥35 weeks
- Requirement for phototherapy according to institutional protocol and current guideline-based phototherapy thresholds
- Receipt of standard and/or intensive phototherapy
- Availability of bilirubin measurements before, during, and after phototherapy
- Availability of rebound bilirubin measurement within 48 hours after phototherapy discontinuation
- Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians, if required by the ethics committee
Exclusion criteria
- Major congenital anomalies
- Conjugated hyperbilirubinemia
- Neonates requiring exchange transfusion before completion of initial phototherapy
- Severe perinatal asphyxia
- Proven or suspected inborn errors of metabolism affecting bilirubin metabolism
- Significant congenital liver disease
- Neonates transferred to another center before completion of rebound bilirubin follow-up
- Missing or incomplete clinical or laboratory data
- Absence of rebound bilirubin measurement within 48 hours after phototherapy discontinuation
- Parents or legal guardians declining participation, if consent is required
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- University of Health Sciences, Haseki Training and Research Hospital — Istanbul
Publications
- Donneborg ML, Thorsteinsson K, Bruun NH, Ebbesen F. Short-time intensive phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic neonates: efficacy, bilirubin rebound and risk factors for rebound. Pediatr Res. 2026 Feb 28. doi: 10.1038/s41390-026-04870-3. Online ahead of print. PMID 41760910
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07694635 · HASEKI-NICU-RHB-2026-01