Brief intensive phototherapy for newborns – benefits, risks, and pending questions

The study by Donneborg et al. “ Short-time intensive phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic neonates: efficacy, bilirubin rebound and risk factors for rebound” published in this journal in February 2026 is an important addition to the literature. 1 It highlights the potential to use short-term high-intensity (65 + 39 μW/cm 2 /nm), double phototherapy (overhead neoBlue LED device , underneath BiliSoft fiberoptic blanket ) for 12 h in uncomplicated hyperbilirubinemia without increased rebound instead of conventional treatment with high intensity phototherapy from overhead alone for a longer duration. 1 These researchers were also able to delineate a subset of neonates who might not be appropriate for this protocol due to gestational age (<37 weeks) and age at the time phototherapy began (<72 h of age) or at a minimum would require closer follow-up. 1 Their findings also highlight the importance of addressing breastfeeding issues and of assuring adequate feedings. This study noted that this protocol might offer a better alternative than home phototherapy. I would agree because, as the authors suggest, the inpatient setting allows for more intensive lactation support that could lead to improved breastmilk supply, and thus, a shorter total duration of phototherapy.