Approach Developed for Guideline-Concordant Phototherapy in Newborns
By Elana Gotkine HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, Aug. 26, 2024 -- In a technical report published online Aug. 26 in Pediatrics, a standardized approach is presented for the use of guideline-concordant phototherapy for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants.
Vinod K. Bhutani, M.D., from the Stanford University School of Medicine in California, and colleagues reviewed relevant literature regarding phototherapy devices in the United States to summarize the principles and application of phototherapy consistent with the current 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics clinical guidelines for management of hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants at ≥35 weeks of gestation.
The researchers found wide variation in the efficacy of phototherapy devices due to nonstandardized use of light sources and configurations and irradiance meters. The most effective and safest devices incorporate narrow-band blue-to-green light-emitting diode lamps, which would best overlap the bilirubin absorption spectrum (wavelength range, about 460 to 490 nm; optimal, 478 nm); emit irradiance of at least 30 µW/cm2/nm in term infants; and illuminate a maximal exposed body surface area of an infant (35 to 80 percent). The appropriate irradiance meter calibrated for the wavelength range delivered by the phototherapy device should be used to perform accurate irradiance measurements.
"When implemented in a timely manner and performed with standardized procedures, phototherapy is a predominantly safe and noninvasive modality that will minimize risk of neonatal brain injury," the authors write.
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted August 2024
Read this next
Metabolic Dysfunction-Linked Steatotic Liver Disease Tied to Increased Preterm Birth Risk
TUESDAY, May 20, 2025 -- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in pregnant women is a risk factor for preterm birth, according to a study published...
AAP Updates Guidance on Evaluation, Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preemies
THURSDAY, May 15, 2025 -- In a clinical report published in the May issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics presents updated guidance on the evaluation and...
No Link Found Between COVID-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy and Spontaneous Abortion
THURSDAY, May 15, 2025 -- There is no association between COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy and spontaneous abortion, according to a study published online May 2...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.