I have heard about using the sun light for phototherapy in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with the help of some filters.Can someone throw some light!!!

Edited May 28, 200916 yr by docspaleh

Hmm, I have heard the same but do not have any good sources. However, I would be very catious, phototherapy light has a relatively narrow wavelength intervall (around 400-500 nm I think) so some kind of filter would probably be needed. In addition, the risk of sunburns would likely be high, as the risk of temperature instability.

I found this conversation in the journal Indian Pediatrics, it gives further comments to read: http://indianpediatrics.net/aug2002/aug-791.htm

Sunlight is not at all recommended for babies with hyperbilirubinemia. See this journal. MJA Vol 178 21 April 2003. There is no evidence based to suggest or recommend it.

Sun light as a means of phototherapy in neonatal jaundice is in initial stages of development that is what I draw from my recent searches on the net.I was very much interested in the news the day I heard about it. It has been traditionally used in neonatal jaundice here and in many parts of India.In Ladakh we depend a lot on the sun. We have sun warmed room,solar lightening system, solar water heater, solar water pumps etc.So a phototherapy unit working with the help of sunlight will suit places like our a lot offcourse that will mean taking extra precaution for avoiding sunburns and hypothermia.I attach a link which is regarding the successful use of sunlight for phototherepy.http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=14118771.

A relevant link .