Comparison of the effectiveness of phototherapy and exchange transfusion in the management of nonhemolytic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

The relative effectiveness of phototherapy and exchange transfusion for nonhemolytic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia was compared in two closely matched groups of infants. Although the exchange transfusion achieved an immediate reduction of bilirubin level, the "rebound" was rapid and tended to offset this reduction. The more gradual and steady effect of phototherapy resulted in a significantly lower serum bilirubin level at 1, 2, and 3 days after commencement of therapy; the rebound after phototherapy was small. Phototherapy was demonstrated to be more effective than exchange transfusion in achieving prolonged reduction of bilirubin levels for nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. With more efficient lamps delivering more energy in the desired spectrum, it would seem feasible to treat hyperbilirubinemia of whatever etiology with this safer and more convenient form of therapy, though sometimes only as in adjunct therapy.