Phototherapy Icter

Phototherapy is the standard treatment for hyperbilirubinemia. Phototherapy used to treat hyperbilirubinemia is characterized by emission of a light with a specific wavelength. Blue light, in the range of bilirubin absorption is able to reduce the (unconjugated) bilirubin level in the blood.

Neonatal jaundice

Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a yellow pigmentation of the skin which is caused by high blood bilirubin levels (i.e. hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin is a natural yellow pigment produce by the breakdown from the red blood cells.

Bilirubin circulates in the blood in the unconjugated form, which is then conjugated in the liver. The conjugation allows the transformation of a water-insoluble molecule in a water-soluble one, from unconjugated bilirubin to conjugated bilirubin, which can then be excreted in the bile.

Crigler-Najjar

Crigler-Najjar syndrome is an orphan disease, a rare genetic disorder characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia).

This is due to a deficiency in the enzyme called Glucoronyl-transferase (UGT). UGT catalyzes the hepatic conversion of unconjugated bilirubin into conjugated bilirubin which is the soluble form eliminated from the body.

Phototherapy and Bilirubin conversion

The efficacy of phototherapy units varies widely with light sources and types of configuration. The following characteristics of a device contribute to its effectiveness:

  • Emission of light in the blue range that best matches in vivo Bilirubin absorption (430–490 nm);
  • Irradiance greater than 30 µW/cm²/nm characterizing intensive phototherapy which is considered to be particularly effective;
  • Maximal body surface exposed to light.
Phototherapy and Bilirubin conversion

Bilicocoon® as controlled therapy

BiliCocoon® is a medical device by NeoMedLight (certified ISO13485). It is targeted at treating neonatal jaundice without compromising the relationship between the mother and the newborn.

For maximum effectiveness, it offers an intensive and homogeneous irradiance and a large coverage of body surface area It is emitting light in the absorption spectrum of bilirubin, facilitating the reduction of bilirubin concentration in the blood.

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Bilicocoon® as controlled therapy

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