Background: Phototherapy plays a significant role in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. However, this treatment may result in the development of some complications. Among these are rash, hyperthermia and retinal damage. There are limited studies with different results regarding the effect of phototherapy on platelet count. Some animal and human studies suggest that phototherapy may lead to thrombocytopenia. Other studies suggest that phototherapy may lead to increase the platelet count. In another studies there is not any correlation between phototherapy and platelet count. According to limited studies with controversial results, the aim of this research to detect the effect of phototherapy on platelet count in neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Methods: Across sectional study was conducted during the period from January 2018 to June 2018 at NICU of Benha children hospital. The study included 54 term neonates with symptoms, signs and laboratory findings of neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia treated with phototherapy. Apart from jaundice, their physical examination was normal. Platelet count of jaundiced neonates was measured on admission and at discontinuation of phototherapy.
Results: Total of 54 full term neonates were included in this study. The mean (+/-SD) platelet counts were 278.89 ± 60.63 before phototherapy and 319.67 ± 78.58 after phototherapy. There was an increase in the mean platelet count after phototherapy which was statistically significant (p=0.001). The study showed that mean platelet count increased with extended mean phototherapy time. Conclusion: Phototherapy leads to rise in platelet count in term icteric neonates exposed to phototherapy for more than two days.