RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the mean treatment duration of phototherapy when done with light-emitting diodelights versus fluorescent lights for the treatment of unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia in preterm infants. METHODS: The randomised controlled trial was conducted at Allied Hospital, Faisalabad, Pakistan, from September 12, 2015, to March 11, 2016, and comprised patients with unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. Detailed history, including demographic information, were noted. The patients were divided into two groups using computergenerated random number tables. Group A received light-emitting diode light phototherapy and group B received fluorescent light phototherapy. Initially complete blood count with peripheral film, retic count, coombs test, blood group, serum bilirubin level (total, direct, indirect) were done. Serum bilirubin was checked by bilirubinometre 6hourly till the end of treatment. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20.. RESULTS: There were 460 patients divided into two equal groups of 230(50%) each. Mean age was 32.34}2.28 weeks in Group A and 32.21}2.11weeks in Group B. In Group A, 116(50.43%) subjects were boys and 114(49.57%) were girls. In Group B, 120(52.17%) were boys and 110(47.83%) were girls. Mean duration of treatment was recorded as 36.83+2.09 hours in Group A and 45.66+2.52 hours in Group B. (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The mean duration of treatment of phototherapy with light-emitting diodelights lights was significantly shorter compared to fluorescent lights.