Feasibility of Light Therapy in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Purpose

The goal of this clinical trial is to understand how easy or difficult it is for critically ill children (4-17 years old) to have light therapy while in the pediatric ICU. Participants will have a light meter at their bedside to measure light levels. Each morning, a light box will be placed at their bedside. Children, family, and staff will be asked to completed feedback surveys regarding the light therapy. Study participation will continue for a maximum of 5 days.

Conditions

  • Circadian Dysregulation
  • Light Exposure
  • Pediatric Critical Illness

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 4 Years and 17 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Within 48 hours of pediatric ICU admission at study hospital - Anticipated to remain admitted to the study hospital pediatric ICU for additional 48 hours - English-speaking parent/legally authorized representative available at the bedside

Exclusion Criteria

  • Patients unable to open their eyes to receive light therapy (Glasgow Coma Scale eye opening score of 1) - Patients with contraindications to light therapy (e.g., migraines, retinal disease, diseases associated with retinal complications, blindness, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury) - Suspected/identified neglect/abuse, Child Protective Services involvement, or ward of state - Children receiving palliative/end-of-life care

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Supportive Care
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Light Therapy
  • Other: Light Therapy
    Light therapy will be delivered via a light box for a maximum of 5 days in the pediatric ICU. Light therapy will be initiated 1 to 2 hours following participant's typical wake time, and continue for 3 hours. The light box light intensity is 10,000 lux with high blue light content (5,000 Kelvin). The light box blocks ultraviolet rays. The portable light box will be placed in front or to the side of the child at a distance of 2 feet. The light box can be moved with activity and turned off at any time if requested by the child, family, or staff.
    Other names:
    • bright light exposure

Recruiting Locations

Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, Ohio 43205
Contact:
Laura Beth Kalvas, PhD, RN
614-304-1872
laurabeth.kalvas@nationwidechildrens.org

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Laura Beth Kalvas

Study Contact

Laura Beth Kalvas, PhD, RN
614-304-1872
laurabeth.kalvas@nationwidechildrens.org