1297 a narrow spectrum light source for phototherapy

ABSTRACT The increasing use of phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal jaundice has generated some concern in view of the potential long-term genetic consequences of this therapeutic

modality. Our laboratory has determined that light at wavelengths ≤ 450 nm is the portion of the visible spectrum responsible for the in vitro and in vivo DNA-modifying activity of

phototherapy. In view of this and subsequent work which has shown that light at wavelengths > 460 nm generate water-soluble bilirubin photoisomers, we have developed a new, portable

phototherapy unit in which more than 95% of the spectral emission falls between 460 and 480 nm. The light source is a 5 kilowatt mercury arc lamp which has been doped with metal halides. The

light is then passed through a series of three filters which remove all undesired radiation, including infrared. The resulting irradiance is 20 watts/M2 over an area 60 x 45 cm, or 10 times

the 460-480 nm spectral output of a standard phototherapy unit (Duro Test, Vita Lite). Using UV-difference spectroscopy to compare the generation of bilirubin photoproducts by these two

light sources, we found enhanced photooxidation of bilirubin with the standard phototherapy unit, while the narrow spectrum unit proved more effective in bilirubin photoisomerization. These

results demonstrate the feasibility of developing a phototherapy unit devoid of wavelengths with a potential for long-term genetic sequellae yet effective in bilirubin isomerization. ARTICLE

PDF AUTHOR INFORMATION AUTHORS AND AFFILIATIONS * Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio John F Ennever, Manoel

Decarvalho, Maxim F Mutzhas & William T Speck Authors * John F Ennever View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Manoel Decarvalho View

author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar * Maxim F Mutzhas View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar *

William T Speck View author publications You can also search for this author inPubMed Google Scholar RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS Reprints and permissions ABOUT THIS ARTICLE CITE THIS ARTICLE

Ennever, J., Decarvalho, M., Mutzhas, M. _et al._ 1297 A NARROW SPECTRUM LIGHT SOURCE FOR PHOTOTHERAPY. _Pediatr Res_ 15 (Suppl 4), 659 (1981).

https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01326 Download citation * Issue Date: 01 April 1981 * DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01326 SHARE THIS ARTICLE Anyone you share the

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