BILIBLANKET PHOTOTHERAPY SYSTEM VERSUS CONVENTIONAL PHOTOTHERAPY - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL IN PRETERM INFANTS

Objective: This study compares the use of standard overhead fluorescen t phototherapy units with the BiliBlanket a woven fibreoptic pad which delivers high intensity light with no ultraviolet or infrared irradia tion in the treatment of jaundice in preterm infants. Methodology: We chose to study infants between 800 and 2500 g, with strict criteria fo r commencing and ceasing phototherapy. Serum bilirubin levels were fol lowed at 12-24 h intervals until 24 h after cessation of phototherapy. Infants were allocated at random to receive either conventional photo therapy or the BiliBlanket. Results: There were 24 infants in the conv entional group and 20 in the BiliBlanket group. Mean duration of photo therapy was compared and was 44 h for the conventional group versus 42 h for the BiliBlanket group. Conclusions: We have shown that the Bili Blanket is as effective as conventional phototherapy and was well acce pted by nursing staff and parents.