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Optimization of the incubator air temperature during LED phototherapy treatment for the preterm infant
Fatima Chahin Yassin1, Stéphane Delanaud1, Camille Szcrupak2
1PériTox Laboratory UMR-I 01, UFR de Médecine, Jules Verne University of Picardie, Amiens, France.
Insights
Light-emitting diode phototherapy for preterm infant jaundice increases incubator temperature. New calculations using analytical calorimetry provide optimal air temperature settings to prevent overheating during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Thermoregulation research
- Medical physics
Background:
- Phototherapy is a primary treatment for preterm infant jaundice.
- Phototherapy poses a risk of overheating for preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify heat exchange during phototherapy in a simulated preterm infant.
- To determine optimal incubator air temperature settings to prevent hyperthermia during phototherapy.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a simulated preterm infant (thermal manikin) in a closed incubator.
- Employed analytical calorimetry to measure heat transfers and energy absorption.
- Calculated adjusted incubator air temperature settings based on infant weight (500-2000g).
Main Results:
- Phototherapy significantly increased incubator roof (2.9°C) and air (1°C) temperatures.
- Quantified additional energy load on the infant during phototherapy.
- Established optimal incubator air temperature reductions of -0.51°C to -1.25°C.
Conclusions:
- Phototherapy elevates incubator temperatures, increasing hyperthermia risk.
- New, weight-specific incubator air temperature guidelines are proposed.
- Analytical calorimetry is effective for optimizing thermal management during neonatal phototherapy.
Abstract:
Light-emitting diode phototherapy treatment for jaundice of the preterm infant presents adverse effects, such as discomfort, changes in metabolism, and overheating. This study quantified the body heat exchanges between the environment and a simulated preterm infant requiring phototherapy treatment in a closed incubator. Phototherapy treatment increased the mean incubator roof temperature by 2.9 °C (p < 0.001) and the incubator air temperature by 1 °C (p < 0.001). Analytical calorimetry was used to calculate the additional energy received during phototherapy and thus deduce the optimal incubator air temperature for ensuring thermoneutrality and preventing hyperthermia. The optimal air temperature settings inside the incubator during phototherapy were - 0.51 to - 1.25 °C lower than references, for preterm infant weighing 500 to 2000 g.Conclusion: Phototherapy treatment for jaundice of the preterm infant increased the incubator air temperature. To prevent overheating in the preterm during phototherapy, new curves for optimal air temperature settings inside the incubator were calculated with analytic calorimetry. What is Known •Phototherapy treatment is the first-line treatment for jaundice in the preterm infant. •Phototherapy treatment increases the risk of overheating. What is New •The heat transfers and risk of overheating were quantified using a thermal manikin during phototherapy treatment. •Phototherapy treatment increased the incubator roof temperature and heat transfers. •New incubator's air temperature settings during phototherapy treatment were calculated with analytical calorimetry for preterm infant weighing 500-2000 g.
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