Comparison of light emitting diode phototherapy and double standard conventional phototherapy for nonhemolytic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Authors: NURDAN URAS, AHMET KARADAĞ, ALPARSLAN TONBUL, MÜSEMMA KARABEL, GÜZİDE DOĞAN, MUSTAFA MANSUR TATLI

Abstract: Aim: To compare the efficacies and the rebound bilirubin levels of infants who received light emitting diode phototherapy and double standard conventional phototherapy. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty-three healthy term and near term (>=35 weeks) infants requiring phototherapy for non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia were enrolled in the study. All infants' gestational age, type of feeding, age at phototherapy, total serum bilirubin level at initiation and termination of phototherapy, duration of phototherapy, rebound TSB levels, and type of phototherapy were recorded. Fifty-four patients received double standard conventional phototherapy (Group I) and 69 patients received light emitting diode phototherapy (Group II). Rebound total serum bilirubin levels after 24-48 h were compared in both groups. Infants with rebound bilirubin values greater than or equal to concentrations before phototherapy was again exposed to phototherapy. Results: Group I consisted of 54 patients whereas Group II included 69 patients. A decrease in bilirubin concentration occurred in all infants but was especially marked in the infants exposed to light emitting diode phototherapy. There was no significant difference in rebound total serum bilirubin levels between the groups. Conclusions: Light emitting diode phototherapy was more effective than double standard conventional phototherapy in the treatment of non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.

Keywords: Intensive phototherapy, newborn, rebound bilirubin, double conventional phototherapy

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