The infant phototherapy devices market is expected to witness a robust growth in the coming years, as the demand for effective and safe treatment of neonatal jaundice increases worldwide. According to a recent report by EIN Presswire, the market is projected to reach USD 132.1 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2021 to 2030.
What are Infant Phototherapy Devices and How Do They Work?
Infant phototherapy devices are medical equipment that use special lights to treat newborn babies with jaundice, a common condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced when red blood cells break down. Normally, the liver filters out bilirubin and excretes it through bile. However, in some cases, the liver of newborn babies may not be able to process bilirubin fast enough, leading to its accumulation in the body.
Infant phototherapy devices expose the baby’s skin to light of a specific wavelength, which helps break down bilirubin into a simpler form that can be easily eliminated through urine and stool. The devices are usually placed over the baby’s crib or bed, and the baby is covered with a protective eye shield to prevent eye damage. The duration and intensity of the treatment depend on the severity of the jaundice and the baby’s weight and age.
What are the Benefits of Infant Phototherapy Devices?
Infant phototherapy devices offer several advantages over other treatment methods for neonatal jaundice, such as blood transfusion or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Some of the benefits are:
- They are safe and effective. Infant phototherapy devices have been proven to reduce the bilirubin levels in the blood and prevent complications such as brain damage, deafness, or cerebral palsy. They have minimal side effects, such as skin rash, dehydration, or temperature changes, which can be easily managed by adjusting the device settings or providing adequate hydration and nutrition to the baby.
- They are easy and convenient to use. Infant phototherapy devices are portable and can be used in various settings, such as hospitals, neonatal clinics, or home. They do not require invasive procedures or frequent blood tests, and they allow the baby to stay close to the mother and receive breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact during the treatment.
- They are cost-effective. Infant phototherapy devices are relatively inexpensive and can save healthcare costs by reducing the need for hospitalization, medication, or surgery. They can also reduce the risk of infection or blood loss that may occur with other treatment methods.
What are the Factors Driving the Growth of the Infant Phototherapy Devices Market?
The infant phototherapy devices market is driven by several factors, such as:
- The rise in the prevalence of neonatal jaundice. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice in the first week of life. Some of the causes of neonatal jaundice include prematurity, blood group incompatibility, infection, or genetic disorders. The increasing incidence of these factors, along with the growing birth rate and population, is expected to increase the demand for infant phototherapy devices in the future.
- The technological advancements in the field of infant phototherapy. The infant phototherapy devices market is witnessing continuous innovation and improvement in terms of design, performance, and efficiency. Some of the recent developments include the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are more energy-efficient, durable, and flexible than conventional light sources, such as fluorescent lamps or halogen bulbs. LEDs also offer a wider spectrum of light, which can target different types of bilirubin and enhance the treatment outcome. Moreover, the introduction of smart and connected devices, which can monitor the baby’s vital signs, adjust the light intensity, and provide feedback to the caregivers, is expected to enhance the user experience and satisfaction.
- The favorable government policies and initiatives. The infant phototherapy devices market is supported by various government policies and initiatives that aim to promote the awareness, accessibility, and affordability of the treatment. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of neonatal jaundice, which encourage the use of phototherapy as the first-line treatment. Similarly, the WHO has launched the Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP), which aims to reduce the neonatal mortality and morbidity by improving the quality of care and services for newborns, including those with jaundice.
What are the Challenges and Opportunities for the Infant Phototherapy Devices Market?
The infant phototherapy devices market also faces some challenges, such as:
- The lack of awareness and education among the public and healthcare professionals. Despite the high prevalence and potential complications of neonatal jaundice, many people are unaware of the condition and its treatment options. Moreover, some healthcare professionals may not have adequate knowledge or training on how to use infant phototherapy devices properly and safely. This may lead to underdiagnosis, undertreatment, or overtreatment of the condition, which can affect the quality of care and the market growth.
- The availability of alternative treatment methods. Some parents or caregivers may prefer other treatment methods for neonatal jaundice, such as home remedies, herbal medicines, or sunlight exposure. These methods may be perceived as more natural, convenient, or affordable than infant phototherapy devices. However, these methods may not be effective or safe, and may pose risks of infection, sunburn, or eye damage. Therefore, there is a need to educate and inform the public and healthcare professionals about the benefits and limitations of different treatment methods, and to encourage the adoption of infant phototherapy devices as the preferred option.
However, the infant phototherapy devices market also offers some opportunities, such as:
- The untapped potential in the emerging markets. The infant phototherapy devices market has a huge potential in the developing regions, such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa, where the birth rate, population, and incidence of neonatal jaundice are high, but the access to and adoption of infant phototherapy devices are low. This is due to the lack of awareness, infrastructure, and resources in these regions. Therefore, there is an opportunity for the market players to expand their presence and penetration in these markets by providing affordable, accessible, and adaptable products and services, and by collaborating with the local governments, NGOs, and healthcare providers.
- The increase in mergers and acquisitions. The infant phototherapy devices market is witnessing a trend of mergers and acquisitions, as the market players seek to enhance their product portfolio, market share, and competitive edge. For instance, in 2021, Natus Medical Incorporated, a leading provider of medical devices and services for newborn care, acquired Atom Medical Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer of neonatal and infant care products, including infant phototherapy devices. This acquisition enabled Natus to expand its product offerings and geographic reach in the infant phototherapy devices market.
