Philippine E-Journals

Bilirubin lowering effect and safety of a prototype low cost blue light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy device in the treatment of indirect hyperbilirubinemia among healthy term infants in a tertiary government hospital

Vanessa Marie V. Calabia | Ma. Lucila M. Perez

 

Abstract:

Introduction: This was an exploratory study to evaluate if a prototype low-cost blue LED phototherapy device could lower total serum bilirubin (TSB) among term infants with indirect hyperbilirubinemia conducted as a preliminary requirement for a randomized trial. Safety of the prototype was likewise explored. Objective: This was an exploratory study to evaluate if a prototype low-cost blue LED phototherapy device could lower total serum bilirubin (TSB) among term infants with indirect hyperbilirubinemia conducted as a preliminary requirement for a randomized trial. Safety of the prototype was likewise explored. Methodology: After 24 hours, TSB decreased from baseline bilirubin levels by 16.5%. TSB levels after 24 hours were significantly lower than baseline levels (p = 0.0001). After 48 hours, the mean percentage of change of TSB was a 29% reduction. The proportion of subjects in the high-risk zone during baseline to 24th hour went down from 80% to 28% (p = 0.0003). No subjects had rebound hyperbilirubinemia after discontinuation of phototherapy. There were no complications. Results: The prototype low-cost blue LED phototherapy was able to lower serum bilirubin among term infants with indirect hyperbilirubinemia and appeared to be safe to use. Comparative studies with the standard phototherapy device are recommended. Conclusion: The prototype low-cost blue LED phototherapy was able to lower serum bilirubin among term infants with indirect hyperbilirubinemia and appeared to be safe to use. Comparative studies with the standard phototherapy device are recommended.