Blue-Green (~480 nm) versus Blue (~460 nm) Light for Newborn Phototherapy—Safety Considerations

Abstract

We have previously shown that the phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic neonates using blue-green LED light with a peak wavelength of ~478 nm is 31% more efficient for removing unconjugated bilirubin from circulation than blue LED light with a peak wavelength of ~452 nm. Based on these results, we recommended that the phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic newborns be practiced with light of ~480 nm. Aim: Identify and discuss the most prominent potential changes that have been observed in the health effects of phototherapy using either blue fluorescent- or blue LED light and speculate on the expected effects of changing to blue-green LED light phototherapy. Search the phototherapy literature using the terms neonate, hyperbilirubinemia, and phototherapy in the PubMed and Embase databases. Transitioning from blue fluorescent light to blue-green LED light will expose neonates to less light in the 400–450 nm spectral range, potentially leading to less photo-oxidation and geno-/cytotoxicity, reduced risk of cancer, and decreased mortality in extremely low-birthweight neonates. The riboflavin level may decline, and the increased production and retention of bronze pigments may occur in predisposed neonates due to enhanced lumirubin formation. The production of pre-inflammatory cytokines may rise. Hemodynamic responses and transepidermal water loss are less likely to occur. The risk of hyperthermia may decrease with the use of blue-green LED light and the risk of hypothermia may increase. Parent–neonate attachment and breastfeeding will be positively affected because of the shortened duration of phototherapy. The latter may also lead to a significant reduction in the cost of phototherapy procedures as well as the hospitalization process.

Light‐emitting diode phototherapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A literature review

“…Pergantian dari lampu fototerapi neon biru ke LED biru-hijau menimbulkan dampak yang baik untuk pengurangan waktu fototerapi, efek dari sinar fototerapi berkurang, paparan sinar lebih singkat terhadap peningkatan bilirubin tak terkonjugasi, pengurangan biaya fototerapi, dan pengurangan hari rawat inap (Ebbesen et al, 2022). Fototerapi LED lebih unggul daripada fototerapi CFL untuk penatalaksanaan hiperbilirubinemia neonatal.…”

A Combination of Blue Light at 460 nm and H2O2 for the Safe and Effective Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus in an Infected Mouse Skin Abrasion Model

“…Staphyloxanthin might also have an important implication in antibiotic resistance, as the pigment involves structuring a cell wall platform for the localization and functioning of penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a) encoded by the mecA gene [6]. BL460 nm is believed to be safer for human cells than blue lights at other wavelengths [7]. Therefore, the BL460 nm has a high potential for practical implementation and is the subject of ongoing research.…”

“Light” on Phototherapy—Complications and Strategies for Shortening Its Duration, A Review of the Literature

“…Hyperthermia and dehydration may occur during phototherapy, mainly in premature babies but also in full-term newborns, especially in non-LED photo devices [37]. The use of blue-green LED light may decrease the risk for hyperthermia, but may increase events of hypothermia [38]. On the other hand, the findings of Yassin et al showed that the use of LED phototherapy to treat premature jaundice increased the average incubator roof temperature by 2.9 • C and the indoor air temperature by 1 • C [39].…”