©The Author(s) 2016. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Pediatr. May 8, 2016; 5(2): 182-190
Published online May 8, 2016. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v5.i2.182
Published online May 8, 2016. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v5.i2.182
Facility-based constraints to exchange transfusions for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in resource-limited settings
Cecilia A Mabogunje, Neonatal Unit, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Sarah M Olaifa, Laboratory Services, Massey Street Children’s Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria
Bolajoko O Olusanya, Centre for Healthy Start Initiative, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Author contributions: Olusanya BO conceived and designed the study, and drafted the manuscript with input from Mabogunje CA and Olaifa SM; all authors reviewed and approved the final version for submission.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Correspondence to: Bolajoko O Olusanya, FRCPCH, PhD, Centre for Healthy Start Initiative, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, PO Box 75130 VI, Lagos, Nigeria. bolajoko.olusanya@uclmail.net
Telephone: +234-803-3344300 Fax: +234-803-3344300
Received: August 15, 2015
Peer-review started: August 16, 2015
First decision: September 17, 2015
Revised: December 15, 2015
Accepted: January 5, 2016
Article in press: January 7, 2016
Published online: May 8, 2016
Processing time: 261 Days and 9.6 Hours
Peer-review started: August 16, 2015
First decision: September 17, 2015
Revised: December 15, 2015
Accepted: January 5, 2016
Article in press: January 7, 2016
Published online: May 8, 2016
Processing time: 261 Days and 9.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Exchange transfusion (ET) is effective in preventing bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction in infants with severe hyperbilirubinemia. However, the timely initiation of this emergency procedure is frequently constrained by delays at various critical stages from the time the decision to commence ET is made and when ET is actually conducted. These delays must be carefully identified and appropriately addressed in each clinical setting to minimize their adverse impact in the provision of effective ET in low- and middle-income countries. Intensive phototherapy should also be considered a priority during this interval to minimize avoidable ETs.