Wearable phototherapy using side glow fibre optic for homecare neonatal hyperbilirubinemia treatment with temperature monitoring system

• Main Authors: Suhaimi, M.I.F., Yassin, S.N.M., Wee, Lai K., Chai, H.Y., Salim, M.I.M.
• Format: Article
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2021
• Subjects: T Technology (General); TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/36067/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85123803309&partnerID=40&md5=f760def2011dac1e85ba0abd7b0d9b01

Introduction: Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which there is too much bilirubin present in the blood. Hyperbilirubinemia is treated by using phototherapy that converts bilirubin into a simpler isomer via the photo-oxidation process. Most existing phototherapy devices are designed for inpatient hospital care and hence restrict the bonding time between mother and newborns during treatment. Thus, this study attempts to develop a portable phototherapy device based on fibre optics for hyperbilirubinemia treatment at home. Methods: The development process involved an electronic system for temperature monitoring and light engine system for fibre optics light source. Additionally, the mechanical system involved hooded blanket design and fibre optics strands placement. Results: The device is designed on hooded blanket with fiber optics strands for irradiance more than 31.06μ W/cm2/nm, body surface area coverage of 80 and equipped with temperature monitoring that will trigger visual and audible alarm when body temperature exceeds 37.5 degree celcius. Conclusion: This study has successfully developed a Smart BiliWrap, a fibre optic based home care phototherapy device with temperature monitoring system. © 2021 UPM Press. All rights reserved.