BiliBlanket phototherapy system versus conventional phototherapy: a randomized controlled trial in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE This study compares the use of standard overhead fluorescent phototherapy units with the BiliBlanket a woven fibreoptic pad which delivers high intensity light with no ultraviolet or infrared irradiation in the treatment of jaundice in preterm infants. METHODOLOGY We chose to study infants between 800 and 2500 g, with strict criteria for commencing and ceasing phototherapy. Serum bilirubin levels were followed at 12-24 h intervals until 24 h after cessation of phototherapy. Infants were allocated at random to receive either conventional phototherapy or the BiliBlanket. RESULTS There were 24 infants in the conventional group and 20 in the BiliBlanket group. Mean duration of phototherapy was compared and was 44 h for the conventional group versus 42 h for the BiliBlanket group. CONCLUSIONS We have shown that the BiliBlanket is as effective as conventional phototherapy and was well accepted by nursing staff and parents.