Role of massage therapy on reduction of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia in term and preterm neonates: a review of clinical trials

Abstract

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NNH) is one of the leading causes of admissions in nursery throughout the world. It affects approximately 2.4–15% of neonates during the first 2 weeks of life.

Aims: To evaluate the role of massage therapy for reduction of NNH in both term and preterm neonates.

Method: The literature search was done for various randomized control trials (RCTs) by searching the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE.

Results: This review included total of 10 RCTs (two in preterm neonates and eight in term neonates) that fulfilled inclusion criteria. In most of the trials, Field massage was given. Six out of eight trials reported reduction in bilirubin levels in term neonates. However, only one trial (out of two) reported significant reduction in bilirubin levels in preterm neonates. Both trials in preterm neonates and most of the trials in term neonates (five trials) reported increased stool frequencies.

Conclusion: Role of massage therapy in the management of NNH is supported by the current evidence. However, due to limitations of the trials, current evidences are not sufficient to use massage therapy for the management of NNH in routine practice.

Keywords:

• Massage
• neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
• preterm neonates
• term neonates

Acknowledgements

No financial assistance was received to support this review article.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.