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Randomized controlled trial of light-emitting diode phototherapy

Journal of Perinatology volume 27, pages 565–567 (2007)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective:

We wished to compare the efficacy of light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy with special blue fluorescent (BB) tube phototherapy in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Study design:

We randomly assigned 66 infants⩾35 weeks of gestation to receive phototherapy using an LED device or BB. In addition to phototherapy from above, all infants also received phototherapy from below using four BB tubes or a fiberoptic pad.

Result:

After 15±5 h of phototherapy, the rate of decline in the total serum bilirubin (TSB) was 0.35±0.25 mg/dl/h in the LED group vs 0.27±0.25 mg/dl/h in the BB group (P=0.20).

Conclusion:

LED phototherapy is as effective as BB phototherapy in lowering serum bilirubin levels in term and near-term newborns.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant from Natus Medical Inc., San Carlos, CA, USA. We thank Antony F McDonagh, PhD for his review and helpful comments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, MI, USA

    M J Maisels, E A Kring & J DeRidder

Authors
  1. M J Maisels
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  2. E A Kring
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  3. J DeRidder
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Correspondence to M J Maisels.

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Maisels, M., Kring, E. & DeRidder, J. Randomized controlled trial of light-emitting diode phototherapy. J Perinatol 27, 565–567 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211789

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211789

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