A Controlled Trial of High-Intensity Double-Surface Phototherapy on a Fluid Bed Versus Conventional Phototherapy in Neonatal Jaundice

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a simple, relatively inexpensive method using the fluid bed to provide high-intensity double-surface (HIDS) phototherapy and to confirm that the method described is more effective than conventional phototherapy (CPT) in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. DESIGN: Prospective controlled study. METHOD: HIDS phototherapy (26 to 30 microW/cm2 per nanometer) on the fluid bed (n = 22) versus conventional (7 to 10 microW/cm2 per nanometer) phototherapy (n = 28) was used to treat neonates weighing more than 1500 g with hyperbilirubinemia. RESULTS: After 24 hours of therapy, the bilirubin in the group receiving HIDS phototherapy was significantly lower. The mean rate of fall of bilirubin was 5.34 mumol/L per hour in the group receiving HIDS phototherapy versus 0.7 mumol/L per hour in the group receiving CPT. HIDS phototherapy on a fluid bed was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: HIDS phototherapy on the fluid bed is significantly more effective in reducing bilirubin than CPT. It can be easily and economically provided using equipment currently available in most neonatal units.