Phototherapy (PT) is the standard of care for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. Its efficacy is dependent upon the light spectrum, irradiance and the exposed surface area of the infant. We have developed a new PT light source using recently introduced high intensity gallium nitride light emitting diodes (LED). This device has a narrow (30nm) luminous blue spectrum, with peak emission of 460nm (blue light) with no emission of UV or IR radiation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of the device and its approval by the medical staff and parents. We prospectively randomized 22 jaundiced, but otherwise healthy, term infants to either LED or conventional PT. Entry criteria to PT followed the American Academy of Pediatrics' Practice Parameter. Due to safety concerns regarding exposure of infants to very high irradiance, the LED device was placed at a distance that provided light intensity within the range of the conventional fluorescent PT tubes used, 5-8 uW/cm2/nm.

We conclude that the LED device is as effective as conventional PT, and is readily accepted by both nursing staff and families. Future portable LED devices can provide much higher irradiance. LED devices are ideal for home PT as they are lightweight, durable, lack glass parts and small in size, can use low voltage battery power. Because LED PT generates little heat, a mattress-like LED device will allow direct contact PT, thereby allowing for increased skin surface exposure. Table

Table 1 Mean Bilirubin (95% Confidence Limit). umol/L
Full size table