Can LED lights be used for phototherapy?

Can LED lights be used for phototherapy?

LED light source is as effective as fluorescent tubes for phototherapy of preterm infants with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Considering less frequent side effects, less energy consumption, longer life span, and lower costs, LED phototherapy seems to be a better option than current conventional phototherapy.

What is the function of phototherapy machine?

Phototherapy units treat hyperbilirubinemia by irradiating the baby with light in the blue region of the spectrum from 420-500 nm (Neuman, 1988a). This light oxidizes the bilirubin in the blood, thus producing compounds that can be eliminated from the body.

Can phototherapy be done at home?

“Home‐based phototherapy” can be used in the home setting with appropriate supervision. Home phototherapy is used only in cases of uncomplicated newborn jaundice. Home‐based phototherapy can offer certain advantages such as reduced hospital costs and improved bonding between an infant and mother.

Do LEDs help jaundice?

More important, LED lamps can help treat jaundice faster than conventional phototherapy lighting—a critical difference for a condition in which every hour counts.

Is phototherapy a UV light?

Phototherapy uses lightwaves to treat certain skin conditions. The skin is exposed to an ultraviolet (UV) light for a set amount of time. Phototherapy uses a man-made source of UV light. UV light also comes from the sun.

Can phototherapy darken baby skin?

With exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum. Although the exact etiology is not understood, this effect is thought to be the result of an accumulation of porphyrins and other metabolites.

Can phototherapy burn baby skin?

Visible light phototherapy is an easily administered and effective treatment for neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Reported cutaneous side effects include transient rashes and the uncommon bronze baby syndrome. A more hazardous side effect is ultraviolet burn.

When do you start phototherapy in premature babies?

A commonly used rule of thumb in the NICU is to start phototherapy when the total serum bilirubin level is greater than 5 times the birth weight. Thus, in a 1-kg infant, phototherapy is started at a bilirubin level of 5 mg/dL; in a 2-kg infant, phototherapy is started at a bilirubin level of 10mg/dL and so on.

How long can a baby stay under phototherapy?

There are no specific guidelines for when to discontinue phototherapy. Evidence of hemolysis and age of the infant will impact the duration. In some cases, phototherapy will only be needed for 24 hours or less, in some cases, it may be required for 5 to 7 days.

Which light is good for newborn?

To avoid damaging the developing cells in the eyes of the newborn, fluorescent and not incandescent light bulbs should be used. This is because incandescent bulbs always cause heat and burn off more energy and as such should not be used. Fluorescent bulbs also add beauty to the room and make it more trendy and grand.