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Abbreviations, glossary and references

Evidence table A table summarising the results of a collection of studies which, taken
together, represent the evidence supporting a particular
recommendation or series of recommendations in a guideline.
Exchange transfusion This procedure involves slowly removing the baby’s blood and
replacing it with fresh donor blood.
Exclusion criteria See Selection criteria.
Experimental study A research study designed to test if a treatment or intervention has an
effect on the course or outcome of a condition or disease - where the
conditions of testing are to some extent under the control of the
investigator. Controlled clinical trial and randomised controlled trial
are examples of experimental studies.
Experimental treatment A treatment or intervention (e.g. a new drug) being studied to see if it
has an effect on the course or outcome of a condition or disease.
Fibreoptic phototherapy Phototherapy given using a single light source that comprises a light
generator, a fibre-optic cable through which the light is carried and a
flexible light pad, on which the baby is placed or that is wrapped
around the baby.
Forest plot A graphical display of results from individual studies on a common
scale, allowing visual comparison of results and examination of the
degree of heterogeneity between studies.
Generalisability The extent to which the results of a study hold true for a population
of patients beyond those who participated in the research. See also
External validity.
Gilbert syndrome A genetic liver disorder in which the liver shows impaired processing
of bilirubin
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase Lack of this enzyme (G6PD deficiency) is associated with a tendency
to haemolysis. This can present in the newborn period, and can thus
be associated with neonatal jaundice.
Gold standard A method, procedure or measurement that is widely accepted as
being the best available.
Grey literature Reports that are unpublished or have limited distribution, and are not
included in bibliographic retrieval systems.
Guideline A systematically developed tool which describes aspects of a patient’s
condition and the care to be given. A good guideline makes
recommendations about treatment and care, based on the best
research available, rather than opinion. It is used to assist clinician
and patient decision-making about appropriate health care for
specific clinical conditions.
Guideline recommendation Course of action advised by the guideline development group on the
basis of their assessment of the supporting evidence.
Haemoglobin The coloured pigment inside red blood cells that carries oxygen
round the body.
Haemolysis The breakdown of red blood cells.
Haemolytic disease of the newborn Abnormal breakup of red blood cells in the fetus or newborn. This is
usually due to maternal antibodies which pass into the fetus and
trigger haemolysis of the baby's red cells (also known as Isoimmune
haemolytic disease)
Health economics A branch of economics which studies decisions about the use and
distribution of healthcare resources.
Health technology Health technologies include medicines, medical devices such as
artificial hip joints, diagnostic techniques, surgical procedures, health
promotion activities (e.g. the role of diet versus medicines in disease
management) and other therapeutic interventions.

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