Comparison of the effects of low-irradiance and high-irradiance phototherapy on non-hemolytic neonatal jaundice

In this study, low- and high-irradiance phototherapies were compared to determine the optimal irradiance for treating non-hemolytic neonatal jaundice. This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial included full-term infants born between April 2017 and January 2022 who were hospitalized for neonatal jaundice. Participants were divided into low-irradiance (low group) and high-irradiance (high group) treatment arms. The primary outcome was the retreatment rate. A total of 104 infants (52 in each group) were included. Retreatment rates were not significantly different between the two groups (12% vs. 4%, p = 0.141). Only a few infants who required phototherapy after 72 h of birth needed retreatment (low group, 3%; high group, 0%). Considering the potential side effects of phototherapy, initiating treatment at low irradiance may be appropriate, particularly for infants aged >72 h. Clinical trial registry and registration number This trial was registered to the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR; http://www.umin.ac.jp.) on October 28, 2016. Registration number: UMIN000024352.