Effect of conventional and LED phototherapy on the antioxidant-oxidant status in preterm neonates with jaundice

Objective: To compare oxidative stress due to conventional and LED phototherapy among jaundiced preterm neonates. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in NICU on 82 neonates (equal numbers received conventional and LED phototherapy). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and Oxidative stress index (OSI) were assessed. Results: Post-phototherapy, mean (SD) OSI increased significantly compared to baseline in both conventional [0.26 (0.24) vs. 0.61 (0.41); P <0.001] and LED groups [0.24 (0.20) vs. 0.32 (0.23); P <0.001]. Across groups, mean (SD) TAC was lower [0.28 (0.16) vs. 0.53 (0.27); P <0.001] mmol Trolox equiv/L; mean (SD) TOS higher [15.6 (10.9) vs. 14.6 (10.2); P=0.711] μmol H₂O₂/L and mean (SD) OSI higher [0.61 (0.42) vs. 0.33 (0.23); P <0.001] in conventional as compared to LED phototherapy. Conclusion: Both modes increased oxidative stress index; however, conventional phototherapy resulted in higher oxidative stress.