Comparison of Phototherapy Using Neolight Skylife Versus Standardized Phototherapy for Hyperbilirubinemia in Newborns

Overview

Phototherapy has served as a primary treatment for hyperbilirubinemia in newborn populations. The light emitted through phototherapy interacts with bilirubin at the skin level to transform it into water-soluble products eliminated in urine and stool. Efficacy of phototherapy relies on the irradiance dispensed at the skin level by the treatment and on the surface area of skin exposed. The purpose of this Investigator-initiated, prospective, two-arm, randomized control investigation is to compare the effect of a novel, newly available, FDA cleared, phototherapy device (Neolight Skylife) with the standard phototherapy treatments used in HonorHealth newborn nurseries (Natus-Neo Blue Blanket and GE Bili Soft Blanket) on healthy, newborns ≥ 35 weeks + 0 days Gestational Age (GA) at the time of birth in the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia. We hypothesize that the unconjugated bilirubin level will be comparably reduced across each treatment arm from baseline to 12 and 24 hour intervals.

This is an investigator-initiated, prospective, two-arm randomized control investigation to examine the mean values in patients' unconjugated bilirubin level for a new, FDA cleared device (Neolight Skylife) with the standard phototherapy treatment. Patient data on unconjugated bilirubin level, pressure ulcer and body temperature will be evaluated at baseline, 12-hours post-intervention, 24 hours post-intervention and at discharge. Neolight Skylife is a compact device that offers phototherapy to infants across all neonatal beds, supplanting multiple, enclosure specific phototherapy devices. Neolight Skylife weighs less than 10 lbs. and is ergonomically designed for portability that allows for easy carrying of the device between beds. Neolight Skylife offers the choice between treatment intensity levels. Neolight Skylife utilizes blue Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to achieve low irradiance of 30 plus or minus 5 μw/cm²/nm, and high irradiance of 45 plus or minus 10, μw/cm²/nm. Neolight Skylife emits light in a narrow bandwidth between 430-475 nm. This light bandwidth corresponds to the spectral absorption of light by bilirubin, and is thus considered to be the most effective for treatment. Neolight Skylife eliminates the risk of UV exposure typically seen with phototherapy treatment through the use of blue LEDs, as this light source does not emit significant energy in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum. However, as with all phototherapy treatment, protective eye coverings are used to protect the baby's eyes from excessive light exposure.