A new device for phototherapy treatment of jaundiced infants.

ABSTRACT

A new device for phototherapy consisting of a fiberoptic panel attached to an illuminator was compared with traditional phototherapy (4 special blue and 4 daylight bulbs). The panel surrounds the trunk eliminating eye patching and allowing more time for maternal-infant interaction. Forty-six jaundiced term neonates were studied. Two groups, nonhemolytic (n = 26) and hemolytic (ABO) (n = 20) jaundice, received fiberoptic or traditional phototherapy. In both groups, fiberoptic and control patients had similar weights, gestational ages, bilirubin levels and ages at entry. Post-therapy weights and duration of therapy were also similar. In the nonhemolytic fiberoptic group, there was a trend toward greater decreases in mean bilirubin levels at 12, 24, 36, and 60 hours with significant reduction at 48 hours of therapy (-2.8 vs -.5 mg/dL; P = .04). In the hemolytic group, bilirubin fell continuously in the fiberoptic group and after 36 hours in the traditional group. At 36 hours there was a trend toward a greater decrease in mean bilirubin for the fiberoptic group (-1.8 vs + 1.9 mg/dL; P = .08). There were no complications of therapy. The fiberoptic panel proved effective and safe; eliminated the need for eye patches; and permitted greater time for maternal-infant bonding.