The effect of cycled light exposure on clinical outcomes of preterm infants admitted in neonatal intensive care units
- Author:
Roffell D. Felisilda
1
;
Katrina Mae G. Lee
1
;
Christine Corina Grace L. Basilla
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords: Pre-term; Cycled-light (CL); Continuous bright light
- MeSH: Human; Male,Female; Systematic review; Meta-analysis; Infant, Premature; Intensive care units, Neonatal; Intensive care, Neonatal; Light; Lighting; Critical care
- From: The Philippine Children’s Medical Center Journal 2025;21(1):27-41
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND:Hospitalization in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) exposes preterm infants to adverse stimuli, including continuous 24-hour lighting. There is currently no standardized NICU layout advised for the best development of preterm neonates. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the impact of cycled light (CL) exposure on clinical outcomes in premature infants admitted to NICU as synthesized in previous studies.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:This meta-analysis protocol was developed following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. A search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases using the MeSH/key words: ―light exposure‖ AND pre-term AND cycled AND (RCT OR trials OR ―randomized controlled trial). The pooled Mean Difference with corresponding 95% CI was computed for weight gain, duration until start of enteral feeding, and duration of ICU stay using the Mantel–Haenszel random-effect model.
RESULTS:Nine studies were included. The pooled mean difference showed that among preterm infants who had cycled light exposure, average daily weight gain (MD=6.24 grams, 95%CI=1.36 to 11.13, p=0.01) was significantly higher than those with continuous light exposure. The average time to start enteral feeding (MD=-3.84 days, 95%CI=-7.56 to -0.13, p=0.04) and average ICU stay (MD=-8.43 days, 95%CI=-12.54 to -4.31, p<0.0001) among neonates who had cycled light exposure were significantly shorter.
CONCLUSION:Benefits were seen in preterm infants when exposed to cycled light as opposed to continuous light. CL exposed infants showed a daily weight gain that was 6.24 grams higher, on average, and began enteral feeding nearly 4 days sooner. It led to a decrease in the duration of ICU stay by around 8 to 9 days on average. Further trials to determine the impact of cycled light exposure on morbidity and mortality among preterm neonates is recommended. - Full text:202509031626362240pcmc 21(1) Article 3.pdf
