Authors: Shilpa Kalane, Shatakshi Wagh, Manjiri J. Deshpande, Akshay Kenjale, Nandini Thorat., Uday P. Devaskar.
About 10 % of all neonates worldwide develop jaundice needing phototherapy (PT) during which an eye covering device (ECD) is used. The existing ECDs made of fabric are tight bands preventing the baby from opening his eye lids, are a source of discomfort and are not aesthetic. The major emphasis of new ECD named Giggles was to use a dome like design allowing free eye lid movements. It was also important to ensure complete light blockage, a good fit to prevent dislodgement, easy to clean, non-fabric material, reusable while maintaining good hygiene, soft, not causing skin irritation, mouldable, light, medically acceptable, durable, affordable and aesthetic. An open label randomized control trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of giggles vs the existing ECD. All neonates needing PT who were >35 weeks G.A. and B.W. >2.0 kg were eligible for the study. Babies in the control group (n-30) were treated with the standard ECD while those in the study group (n-30) were treated with Giggles. Primary outcomes were baby’s comfort level and irritability, the number of spontaneous dislodgements needing reapplication and the aesthetics. Babies in the study group did better during breast or the cup feeding. Babies in the study group were more comfortable and easier to take care of. Episodes of dislodgement needing reapplication were similar. Care givers and the parents alike loved the aesthetics of giggles.
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