Chest Shielding in Premature Infants During Phototherapy

Effect of Chest Shielding on the Incidence of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants Undergoing Phototherapy

This is a feasibility study where Infants will be randomized to either chest shielding with aluminum foil or chest shielding without aluminum foil while undergoing phototherapy for premature infants. The primary outcome is patent ductus arteriosus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• less or equal to 29 weeks or 1000g at birth
• Admitted to the NICU (Neonatal intensive care unit) within 24 hours after birth
• English speaking parents

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital abnormalities
• Chromosomal disorders
• Cyanotic heart defects
• Nitric oxide
• Prophylactic phototherapy
• Unlikely to survive beyond 72 hours according to the attending neonatologist
• Do not require phototherapy