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Cycled Light for Preterm Babies
Preterm Infants Born at Less Than 30 Weeks Gestation Have Improved Growth in Cycled Light Compared with Continuous Near Darkness. Brandon DH, Holditch-Davis D, and Belyea M. J Pediatr (Feb 2002); 140: 192-9.
This randomized interventional study was done to evaluate the benefits of cycled light (CL) versus near darkness (ND) on the health of preterm infants born at < 31 weeks gestation. Sixty-two preterm infants were randomized into one of 3 interventional groups: 1) CL from birth; 2) CL at 32 weeks post-conceptional age (PCA); and 3) CL at 36 weeks PCA in transition for discharge home.
Results. Infants receiving CL from birth or CL at 32 weeks PCA gained weight faster than infants not receiving CL until 36 weeks PCA did. There were no differences among the groups in length of hospital stay or duration of mechanical ventilation, but the power of the study was low for these variables.
Comment. The illumination levels used in this study were 5-10 lux for the near darkness periods (6:30 PM to 7:30 AM for the cycled light), and 200 – 225 lux for the daylight periods. Previous studies showing possible detrimental effects of bright light on preterm infants used either continuous bright light or higher illumination (400 – 900 lux). The average weekly weight gain found in this study was 117 grams for infants receiving CL from birth, 122 grams for infants receiving CL from 32 weeks PCA, and only 93 grams for infants kept in near darkness until 36 weeks PCA. The differences in weight gain between groups were apparently unrelated to caloric intake. Possible reasons for the improved growth in cycled light were attributed to differences in sleep-wake cycles, gastrointestinal hormone secretion, or endocrine functioning. There were no differences between groups in auditory functioning as measured by BAER testing. Also there was no statically significant differences between groups in the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), however the infants kept in near darkness showed a tendency for developing more severe ROP earlier (p = 0.09). Cycling the light for premature infants may be important for establishing circadian rhythms that can have a variety of beneficial effects. So let’s turn the lights back on during the daytime in our NICUs. This may also enable our nurses to observe the babies more closely, rather than just watching their monitors.
Additional Comments:
Date: 07 Apr 2002
Time: 14:21:33
Chickens and plants also growth faster when exposed to light. Farmers keep lights up to
accomplish it. However faster weight gain is not necessarily better (for us). Could be
worse. The fetus is in a dark enviroment when in utero. Maybe the same study can be done
not only measuring weight but intellectual (IQ) and emotional EQ development.
Felix A. Estrada, M.D.
Institution: Parkway Regional Medical Center
telephone: 305-654-5612
email: felixaestradamd@pol.net
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