Double versus single intensive phototherapy with LEDs in treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia

Objective:we investigate whether double phototherapy reduces total serum bilirubin concentration faster than single light during intensive phototherapy with high levels of irradiance using light-emitting diodes.study design:eighty-three infants with gestational age ⩾33 weeks and uncomplicated hyperbilirubinemia were randomized to either double (n=41) or single phototherapy (n=42) for 24 h. the mean irradiance was 64.8 μw cm−2 nm−1 from above and 39 μw cm−2 nm−1 from below.results:the percentage decreases of total serum bilirubin after 12 h of double vs single phototherapy were (mean (95% confidence interval (ci))) 39% (37 to 42) vs 30% (27 to 32), respectively (p<0.001). after 24 h, the decreases were 58% (56 to 61) vs 47% (44 to 50), respectively (p<0.001). the results were still significant after adjustment for confounding. the only side effect was loose stools.conclusion:even with intensive phototherapy increasing spectral power by increasing the irradiated body surface area, the efficacy of phototherapy is improved.