Little Sparrows Technologies Bili-Hut
Donna Brezinski
A battery operated tool to treat jaundice in newborns
Content Partner:
The Bili-Hut™ serves as a portable and battery-operable phototherapy device to treat neonatal jaundice. It is constructed from commercially available materials and low-energy consuming LED lights with a radial light display and reflective surface for amplified light delivery and increased skin exposure.
According to the 2016 WHO Compendium, the Bili-Hut is targeted for distribution in the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and South East Asia regions.
Not applicable. The device has not yet been commercialized and is still in the prototype/testing stage.
According to the 2016 WHO Compendium, the list price of the Bili-Hut is 1500 USD per unit. However, the designer states that the device has not yet been commercialized and final cost has not been established.
Other phototherapy solutions for treatment of neonatal jaundice. An overview includes competitors such as DtM Firefly ; Medela Bilibed, Draeger Photo-Therapy, Natus neoBLUE, Delta TL, and the D-Rev Brilliance series.
Goal 3: to improve and promote good health.
Neonatal jaundice is caused by the accumulation of bilirubin, a breakdown product of hemoglobin in red blood cells. Approximately two-thirds of all newborns have some jaundice, giving a characteristic yellow color to the skin and eyes. Although many babies recover without any intervention, one in twelve newborns have severe jaundice requiring phototherapy treatment. If a baby with severe jaundice does not receive phototherapy in a timely manner, bilirubin may accumulate in the brain, causing permanent brain damage or even death. Severe jaundice is responsible for up to 30% of newborn deaths in many underdeveloped areas, and surviving infants are often left with permanent disabilities such as cerebral palsy, blindness, and hearing loss.
According to the 2016 WHO Compendium, the intended user should be trained, such as trained caregivers, midwives, technicians, nurses, and general or specialized physicians.
