Cycled Phototherapy is a study focused on helping extremely premature infants survive better. Extremely premature infants are babies born much earlier than expected, weighing less than 750 grams (a little over 1.5 pounds) or before 27 weeks of pregnancy. Normally, these babies would be in a dark place inside their mom for a few more months.
Phototherapy (PT) is a treatment using bright lights to help these babies. While it helps reduce bilirubin, a substance that can cause jaundice, continuous (all-the-time) PT might not be as safe as we once thought. It could harm these tiny babies because their skin is thin and they have many health challenges.
In this study, some babies will receive cycled PT, which means the light is given for shorter times, and some will get continuous PT. The light's strength will be adjusted based on the baby's bilirubin levels.
- Eligibility: Babies born in certain hospitals, weighing ≤ 750 grams or less than 27 weeks old.
- Involvement: Babies will be randomly placed in either cycled or continuous PT group.
- Considerations: The study aims to reduce potential risks of continuous PT and improve survival rates.