Abstract
The ideal treatment for hyperbilirubinemia of prematurity would be a safe and simple method for preventing its occurrence. CREMER et al. (1958) first demonstrated that serum bilirubin concentrations of newborn infants can be reduced by exposure to light. This treatment has not been widely used because of doubts as to its effectiveness and concern for the possible toxicity of the photochemical decomposition products of bilirubin. Recent experimental evidence indicated that these products are non-toxic. A controlled clinical trial has been carried out among 59 premature infants to test the effectiveness of artificial blue light in preventing hyperbilirubinemia of prematurity. Treated infants were placed in light from 12 to 144 hours of age and serial bilirubin determinations were carried out. The control and treated groups were comparable with respect to birth weight, gestational age, fluid intake and weight loss. The results are summarized below and indicate a statistically significant difference between the groups. Additional observations on the effect of phototherapy on serum albumin. H.A.B.A. dye binding capacity, free fatty acids and uric acid will be presented. (APS)
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Lucey, J., Ferreiro, M. & Hewitt, J. 59 Prevention of Hyperbilirubinemia of Prematurity by Phototherapy. Pediatr Res 1, 215 (1967). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-196705000-00066
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-196705000-00066