Fibre optic versus conventional phototherapy for hyperbilirubinaemia in preterm infants

Studies comparing efficacy of fibre optic phototherapy to conventional phototherapy are performed mostly in term infants and give conflicting results. This randomized prospective study compares efficacy of fibre optic phototherapy using the Ohmeda Biliblanket device to conventional fluorescent phototherapy in preterm infants. A total of 124 preterm infants with a nonhaemolytic hyperbilirubinaemia were evaluated. Stratification at randomisation was performed according to birth weight (<1000 g, 1000–1500 g or 1500–2000 g). Fifty-six infants received fibre optic and 68 conventional phototherapy. Efficacy was assessed by comparing the required duration of phototherapy. Median duration of phototherapy was 118 h and 114 h in the fibre optic and conventional groups respectively, the difference in which was not statistically significant. The median durations were also not significantly different within the separate weight groups. The number of infants requiring exchange transfusions was similar in both treatment groups. Conclusion The efficacy of fibre optic phototherapy in preterm infants is comparable to conventional phototherapy. Received: 14 May 1996 and in revised form: 20 June 1997 / Accepted: 23 June 1997