Predischarge transcutaneous bilirubin screening reduces readmission rate for hyperbilirubinaemia in diverse South African newborns: A randomised controlled trial

Background. In South Africa (SA), healthy term newborns are usually discharged ˂72 hours after delivery. Discharged babies remain at risk for severe hyperbilirubinaemia if it is not identified early. Hyperbilirubinaemia is an important cause of readmission, and also leads to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening before hospital discharge has been controversial. Objectives. To test the clinical benefits...