A "Gold Standard" Test for Diagnosing and Quantifying Hemolysis in Neonates and Infants.

Identifying "gold standard" diagnostic tests can promote evidence-based neonatology practice. Hemolysis is a pathological shortening of the erythrocyte lifespan, differing from erythrocyte senescence in responsible mechanisms and clinical implications. Diagnosing hemolysis goes beyond a binary (yes vs.

Heme, Heme Oxygenase-1, Statins, and SARS-CoV-2.

Heme, a metalloporphyrin, or more specifically, a tetrapyrrole containing ferrous iron, is an ancient molecule [...

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.