Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr.  2025 Mar;28(2):93-100. 10.5223/pghn.2025.28.2.93.

Comparing the Effect of Oil Massage on Phototherapy Efficacy in Term Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Kumar D
• Kumar D
• Arya PK
• Alim M
• Sharma IK
• Yadav RK
• Sharma N

• KMID: 2565861
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5223/pghn.2025.28.2.93

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of oil massage as an adjunct therapy for neonatal jaundice during phototherapy.
Methods
A total of 160 neonates with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia were enrolled and randomly allocated into two study groups using a computer-generated random number table. Group 1 (Intervention Group) consisted of 84 patients who received both phototherapy and massage therapy, while Group 2 (Control Group) consisted of 76 patients who received only phototherapy. The intervention group underwent massage therapy three times daily for 20 minutes over two consecutive days. Transcutaneous bilirubin levels were measured every eight hours. Additionally, the total duration of phototherapy and the 24-hour stool and urine output frequency were recorded in both groups.
Results
There were no significant differences in the demographic characteristics between the two groups. However, stool frequency and urine output were significantly higher in the intervention group. The average duration of phototherapy was 19.4±4.17 hours in the intervention group compared to 28.4±6.58 hours in the control group (p<0.001). The rate of Transcutaneous bilirubin reduction was significantly higher in the intervention group during the first 24 hours. A rebound increase in bilirubin levels was observed at 40 and 48 hours in both groups after phototherapy was discontinued.
Conclusion
Phototherapy combined with massage significantly reduced total bilirubin levels in newborns with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, making it a valuable adjunct treatment for the rapid reduction of bilirubin in neonates.

Keyword

Phototherapy; Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia; Massage