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Fluorescence Excitation Spectrum of Bilirubin in Blood: A Model for the Action Spectrum for Phototherapy of Neonatal Jaundice
Author(s) -
Lamola Angelo A.,
Russo Marie
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
photochemistry and photobiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.818
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1751-1097
pISSN - 0031-8655
DOI - 10.1111/php.12167
Subject(s) - bilirubin , action spectrum , jaundice , fluorescence , excitation , spectrum (functional analysis) , chemistry , hemoglobin , broad spectrum , photochemistry , physics , medicine , optics , surgery , gastroenterology , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , combinatorial chemistry
A recent report (Lamola et al . 2013 Pediatric Research, 74, 54–60) presents a semiempirical model for facile calculation of an action spectrum for bilirubin photochemistry in vivo using the most current knowledge of the optics of neonatal skin. The calculations indicate that competition for phototherapy light by hemoglobin in the skin is the predominant factor that defines the spectrum of light absorbed by bilirubin. If the latter is correct, a valid physical analog of the calculated spectrum is the excitation spectrum of bilirubin in blood. The fluorescence excitation spectrum was recorded and, indeed, found to be very similar to the calculated spectrum. Both spectra exhibit maxima near 476 nm and widths at half height of about 50 nm. This result supports the conclusion that light between 460 and 490 nm is most effective for phototherapy of neonatal jaundice.