Abstract
Summary: The pattern of bilirubin response to phototherapy was studied using lamps with an emission spectrum closely similar to the bilirubin absorption spectrum. A dose-response relationship was demonstrated, with increased intensity of phototherapy resulting in greater response; however, the rate of bilirubin decline progressively decreased with increasing radiance till a 'saturation' point was reached, beyond which no further response occurred with further increase in radiance, suggesting a curvilinear relationship of the nature of an asymptotic regression. At the 'saturation' point, a 24-h decline of about 50% was achieved.
With extended periods of phototherapy, a gradually decreasing response to phototherapy with declining bilirubin levels was observed, both with maximal or moderate intensity phototherapy; an exponential regression was suggested. At about 5 mg/dl little further decline was observed with continued phototherapy. The rate of the 24-h decline evaluated at 6-h intervals was observed to be proportional to the bilirubin level at the start of the 24-h period.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Tan, K. The Pattern of Bilirubin Response to Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinaemia. Pediatr Res 16, 670–674 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198208000-00018
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198208000-00018
This article is cited by
-
Sixty years of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice – from serendipitous observation to standardized treatment and rescue for millions
Journal of Perinatology (2020)
-
Double versus single intensive phototherapy with LEDs in treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia
Journal of Perinatology (2018)
-
Irradiance levels of phototherapy devices: a national study in Dutch neonatal intensive care units
Journal of Perinatology (2017)
-
Spectral Range Optimization to Enhance the Effectiveness of Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Journal of Applied Spectroscopy (2017)
-
Body Temperature Changes of Newborns Under Fluorescent Versus LED Phototherapy
The Indian Journal of Pediatrics (2014)