Research Projects & Grants

Internal

  • Learning & Implementing Guidelines for Hyperbilirubinemia Treatment (LIGHT), Role: PI, LLU Dept. of Pediatrics, (11/2022) Status: Approved

Other Research

  • Loma Linda University Children's Hospital is a contributing member to the American Academy of Pediatrics's Value in Pediatrics "LIGHT" project, or Learning & Implementing Guidelines for Hyperbilirubinemia Treatment. This is a project focused on hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn, based on the new clinical practice guideline that was published in August, 2022. The project has four goals that aim to decrease unnecessary, or subthreshold, phothotherapy, decrease unnecessary IV fluids, decrease unnecessary rebound bilirubin checks, and increase the appropriate attainment of DAT, which may put babies at higher risk for hyperbilirubinemia.  Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common conditions of the newborn that may necessitate treatment with phototherapy. In August 2022, the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) updated its clinical practice guideline for the management of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Notable changes and recommendations include raising the threshold to start phototherapy treatment, different treatment thresholds by gestational age, emphasis on evaluating for hemolysis (including obtaining a direct antiglobulin test in infants born to mothers with O blood type who require phototherapy), waiting at least 12-24 hours before obtaining a follow-up bilirubin level after phototherapy for infants at low risk for rebound hyperbilirubinemia, and an emphasis on breastfeeding and enteral feeding over intravenous fluids (IV) unless the infant meets criteria for escalation of care. The project has four goals in mind:  1. To decrease initiation of inpatient phototherapy below the AAP-recommended treatment threshold 2. To increase obtainment of direct antiglobulin tests (DAT) in infants with blood type O mothers who undergo inpatient phototherapy 3. To decrease unnecessary IV fluid use in well-appearing infants who do not meet escalation of care criteria 4. To decrease unnecessary rebound total serum bilirubin measurements in infants without hemolysis who start phototherapy at ≥48 hours of age (09/2022 - 04/2024)