Comparison of BiliCocoon phototherapy with overhead phototherapy in hyperbilirubinemic neonates. A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Around 2-6% of term or late preterm neonates receive phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia. Standard treatment today is overhead phototherapy. A new device has been developed, the BiliCocoon, where the neonates are "wrapped" presumably making them more comfortable.

Bilirubin isomers during LED phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic neonates, blue-green (~478 nm) vs blue.

Background: The clinical part of this randomized controlled trial concerning phototherapy of neonates with hyperbilirubinemia showed that the recommended blue-green LED light (≈478 nm) was 31% more efficient than standard blue LED light (≈459 nm) measured by the decline in total serum bilirubin. Lumirubin has biologic effects. The aim was to compare the serum bilirubin isomers, efficacy, and biologic effects between the two phototherapy groups.

Clinical overview of phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

The most efficient emission spectrum of light for phototherapy is blue-green light emission diode light with peak emission at 478 nm. In the irradiance interval of phototherapy, the relationship between efficacy and irradiance is almost linear, and it is negatively related to the haemoglobin. The action sites of phototherapy are the extravascular compartment and cutaneous blood.

Blue-Green (~480 nm) versus Blue (~460 nm) Light for Newborn Phototherapy-Safety Considerations.

We have previously shown that the phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic neonates using blue-green LED light with a peak wavelength of ~478 nm is 31% more efficient for removing unconjugated bilirubin from circulation than blue LED light with a peak wavelength of ~452 nm. Based on these results, we recommended that the phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic newborns be practiced with light of ~480 nm. Aim: Identify and discuss the most prominent potential changes that have been observed in the health effects of phototherapy using either blue fluorescent- or blue LED light and speculate on the expected effects of changing to blue-green LED light phototherapy.

Action spectrum of phototherapy in hyperbilirubinemic neonates.

Background: Phototherapy with blue light matching plasma absorption spectrum of the bilirubin-albumin complex with peak at 460 nm is standard treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Aim: To demonstrate clinically the action (efficacy) spectrum of phototherapy in hyperbilirubinemic neonates, through determination of the fraction of total serum bilirubin (TSB) decreased by phototherapy with peak emission wavelengths ≥478 nm (blue-green) compared with that of light of 459/452 nm (blue).

Methods: TSB values were compiled from three earlier trials, in which hyperbilirubinemic neonates were randomized to receive 24 h of either blue-green light (478/490/497 nm) (intervention groups) or blue light (459/452/459 nm) (control groups) with equal irradiance and exposed body surface areas.