Does predischarge screening for severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia identify infants who need phototherapy?
Jaundice is present in 4 of 5 (84%) healthy newborns. Predischarge TcB/TSB (adjusted for postnatal age) combined with specific clinical factors (especially GA) best predicts subsequent phototherapy use. Universal implementation of this strategy in the US should improve outcomes of healthy newborns discharged early.
Percutaneous tracheostomy can be safely performed without bronchoscopic guidance by adhering to simple steps as described.