Phototherapy for Jaundice in Newborns!
Phototherapy is a treatment method used to treat severe jaundice in newborns. It involves the use of visible light to eliminate bilirubin, a substance that causes jaundice, from the bloodstream. The skin and blood of the baby absorb the light waves, which then break down bilirubin into a form that can be easily excreted by the body. This process is called photolysis.
Phototherapy has been safely used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice for over 40 years, and complications from phototherapy are rare. However, a rare complication called bronze baby syndrome can occur in some infants with cholestatic jaundice(when there is an obstruction or blockage in the bile ducts, preventing the flow of bile from the liver to the intestines), when treated with phototherapy. This condition involves the deposition of bilirubin in the skin, giving it a bronze appearance.
The primary goal of phototherapy is to reduce levels of unconjugated bilirubin that may result in encephalopathy, a condition that can lead to brain damage and long-term disabilities. Phototherapy is typically used for neonates within the first two weeks of life, and it is considered the first-line treatment for severe jaundice in newborns.
Watch our next video to know about “Filtered Sunlight To Treat Neonatal Jaundice!”
Source1:-Woodgate, P., & Jardine, L. A. (2015). Neonatal jaundice: phototherapy. BMJ clinical evidence, 2015, 0319.
Source2:-FAQs About Phototherapy. (n.d.). FAQs About Phototherapy. Retrieved March 5, 2024, from https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/jaundice-and-phototherapy/faqs-about-phototherapy.html
This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment. Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.
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