A Pharmacologic View of Phototherapy.

A pharmacologic view of phototherapy for neonatal jaundice is presented. By considering the photons of therapy light as molecules of a drug, this view connects therapeutic efficacy with photon wavelength, photon dose, dose rate and regimen, efficiency of photon absorption by bilirubin, quantum yields of photoproducts, and their metabolic courses. Based on this view, recommendations to ultimately improve efficacy and safety are presented. Special attention is given to phototherapy regimens for low gestational age, low birthweight infants.