Fiberoptic Phototherapy

For newborns with jaundice, or a yellowing of the skin, fiberoptic phototherapy presents an alternative to conventional phototherapy that is safe, effective and might be more convenient for parents.

Indications for Fiberoptic Phototherapy

Fiberoptic phototherapy is used to treat newborn jaundice. This condition is also called hyperbilirubinemia because it is due to an abnormal elevation of bilirubin, a chemical found in the blood. Too much bilirubin leads to specific type of brain damage called kernicterus.

How Fiberoptic Phototherapy Works

Most cases of jaundice are easily treated with phototherapy.

When light of a specific blue wavelength is directed at a baby's skin, the light energy changes the bilirubin molecule so that the baby can excrete it in the urine, lowering the dangerous bilirubin level in the blood. Fiberoptic phototherapy consists of flexible fiberoptic lights that emit a blue color. Because the lights can be applied directly next to the skin of the baby and covered with a blanket, fiberoptic phototherapy is often referred to as a "bili blanket."

Conventional Phototherapy

Before fiberoptic phototherapy was invented in 1989, conventional phototherapy was used, which consists of a large bank of lights positioned over the baby's crib or bassinet. When using this kind of phototherapy, the baby spends most of the time in the bassinet, with her eyes covered to prevent damage from the light, and often has to stay in the hospital.

Benefits of Fiberoptic Phototherapy

With fiberoptic phototherapy, the baby can be fed and held normally, and is often treated at home rather than in the hospital. The fiberoptic panel position can be changed frequently so that the baby's entire body gets phototherapy during the course of treatment. In addition, the effectiveness of phototherapy is inversely related to the distance between the light and the skin, so fiberoptic therapy may be more beneficial than conventional phototherapy.

Side Effects

Fiberoptic phototherapy is very safe, but side effects include mild diarrhea, increased water loss, skin irritation, and bronzing of the skin. These all resolve when the lights are stopped.