Abstract
Summary: To determine whether continuous phototherapy is necessary to control neonatal jaundice, groups of jaundiced (Gunn) rats were exposed to four blue light regimens: continuous light, 30 min light/30 min dark, 6 min light/6 min dark, and 6 min light/18 min dark. An exponential decrease in serum bilirubin concentration (SBC) was found with all regimens. A logarithmic dose response curve was obtained with a 50% light dose exhibiting 75% efficacy, and a 25% light dose exhibiting 59% efficacy compared to continuous phototherapy. The time constants of the decrease in serum bilirubin concentration also varied logarithmically with doses with continuous therapy having a time constant of 1.4 days, and 6 min light/18 min dark therapy having a time constant of 3 days.
Speculation: In view of the concern which has been expressed over the potential long term side effects of phototherapy, the present study suggests that intermittent phototherapy, with a light cycle of approximately 30–60 min duration, and a concomitant dosage decrease of 50–75% may effectively control neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
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Vogl, T., Cheskin, H., Blumenfeld, T. et al. Effect of Intermittent Phototherapy on Bilirubin Dynamics in Gunn Rats. Pediatr Res 11, 1063–1068 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197710000-00007
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197710000-00007