Phototherapy is performed with a special type of light and not ultraviolet light. In phototherapy, shining fluorescent lights from the bili-light lamps are used on the bare skin of newborns. A specific wavelength of this light used in this therapy can break down the bilirubin into a form that the body can get rid of through urine and stool.
It looks blue, and it may emit light in the blue-green spectrum with wavelengths of 430-490 nm. This therapy is given with a lamp known as a bili-light or with a bili-blanket.
There are two main types of photo therapies given to newborns:
- Conventional phototherapy: In this phototherapy, your baby will be kept under a halogen or compact fluorescent lamp (CFL).
- Fiberoptic phototherapy: In this phototherapy, the baby is kept on a blanket that incorporates fiberoptic cables; light travels through the fiberoptic cables and shines on to your baby’s back.
In both the methods of phototherapy, your baby’s skin is exposed to the light.
In most cases, the first conventional phototherapy is usually tried. If the baby is premature, then fiberoptic phototherapy may be used. Even after conventional or fiberoptic phototherapy if your baby’s jaundice does not improve, then continuous multiple photo therapies may be given that involve using more than one light and often a fiberoptic blanket at the same time.
What is phototherapy?
Phototherapy is a special light treatment given to newborns who have jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes in newborns due to a pigment called bilirubin. 60% of babies are born with jaundice at birth. However, a few babies have a bilirubin level at birth that is high enough to cause brain damage. The reason may be an infection at birth, low birth weight, or breast milk. Phototherapy helps your baby’s body to get rid of the accumulated excess bilirubin (yellow substance) by making it water-soluble. This process makes it easier for your baby’s liver to break down and remove the bilirubin from their blood through urine and stools.
What happens during phototherapy?
During phototherapy,
- The baby with jaundice will be kept naked under the special light.
- The eyes of the baby will be covered to protect them from damage.
- Supplemental feeding will be given to your baby because your baby’s body may lose extra water through the skin.
- In fiberoptic and conventional phototherapy, therapy is usually stopped for 30 minutes every three to four hours, and the baby is given to the mother for breastfeeding, changing their nappy, and cuddling.
- Continuous multiple phototherapies will be given continuously without a break, and the mother’s breastmilk may be given through a tube into the baby’s stomach or fluids may be given into one of their veins.
- Signs of dehydration will be checked timely, and intravenous fluids may be given to the baby if it is dehydrated or if the baby is not able to drink a sufficient amount of milk.
- Your baby’s temperature will be monitored to ensure that it is not too hot.
- Bilirubin levels will be tested every four to six hours after phototherapy to check if the treatment is working or not.
- Once your baby’s bilirubin levels have stabilized or started to fall, the doctor will check it after every 6-12 hours.
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHow long phototherapy is usually needed?
The baby needs phototherapy for two days at least, even longer in a few cases. While the baby is under phototherapy, the bilirubin level is tested and retested. Once your baby’s bilirubin is below a certain level, phototherapy will be stopped. Another bilirubin level will be checked 12-18 hours later to make sure it is not high again.
There are no specific guidelines for when to discontinue phototherapy.
Serum bilirubin levels should show a significant reduction before the lights are turned off. Only physical examination for jaundice is not enough, but bilirubin levels in the blood should be checked timely.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines suggested that a newborn with jaundice with a very high bilirubin level in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) at ≥18 mg/dL should lower the bilirubin level up to 13-14 mg to discontinue phototherapy.
What are the complications of phototherapy?
- Blistering
- Rash
- Diarrhea
- Grey-brown discoloration of the skin and mucus membrane (rare)
Latest Health News
- Lots of Nightmares in Middle Age Might Be Warning Sign of Dementia
- AHA News: Waiting For Takeoff, Her Heart Stopped. Flight Attendants Came to the Rescue.
- Big Studies Test Effectiveness of Common Diabetes Meds
- Can Deep Brain Stimulation Cure Severe OCD?
- A Good Night's Sleep Recharges Immune System
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
WebMD https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/understanding-newborn-jaundice-treatment
Standford Medicine https://med.stanford.edu/newborns/professional-education/jaundice-and-phototherapy/faqs-about-phototherapy.html
NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/treatment/
AIIMS WHO CC https://www.newbornwhocc.org/ONTOP-DATA/Equipment-PDF/Phototherapy/Phototherapy-FAQ.pdf
Top What Light Is Used in Phototherapy for Jaundice? Related Articles
What Is Gilbert Syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is a harmless genetic condition that causes abnormal breakdown of bilirubin, a compound that is formed when hemoglobin from red blood cells degrades. High bilirubin can cause jaundice (yellowing of the eyes). Gilbert syndrome does not need to be treated and has a good prognosis.
How Do You Treat Jaundice in Newborns?
Learn what causes jaundice in newborns and what medical treatments can help.
Jaundice (Hyperbilirubinemia) in Adults
Jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) in adults may be caused by a variety of medical diseases or conditions. Some cases of jaundice can be managed at home with a doctor's supervision, while other causes of jaundice may be life-threatening. Symptoms of jaundice are yellow skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, pale colored stools, dark urine, itchy skin, vomiting, nausea, and rectal bleeding.
Treatment of jaundice is focused on the disease or condition that is causing jaundice.
Jaundice Picture
Often, physiologic jaundice -- the type seen in most newborns -- does not require treatment. See a picture of Jaundice and learn more about the health topic.
Jaundice (Newborn, Kernicterus)
Jaundice in infants occur when the baby's liver may not be developed enough to efficiently rid the body of bilirubin. Symptoms of jaundice include yellowish colored eyes, and yellowing of the skin. Some babies are more at risk to develop jaundice. Kernicterus is a type of brain damage that occurs when a baby has jaundice and is not treated. Treatment of infant jaundice is generally with phototherapy so that kernicterus should not develop.Newborn Jaundice (Neonatal Jaundice)
Jaundice in newborns and babies (neonatal jaundice) usually occurs because of a normal increase in red blood cell breakdown and the fact that their immature livers are not efficient at removing bilirubin from the bloodstream.
Symptoms of jaundice are fever, poor feeding, and looking ill. Newborn jaundice is very common and is caused because the newborns liver isn’t mature enough to remove bilirubin from the blood.
Treatment of jaundice in newborns include phototherapy, tanning booths, and other treatments.
Kids' Skin Problems
What are the most common skin rashes in children? Learn about childhood eczema, ring worm, chicken pox and more. Get the facts on treatment for childhood skin problems.
What Is the Function of Bile?
Bile juice is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. It is stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. Its main function is to convert fats in food into fatty acids, which are absorbed in the gut. Bile aids in digestion, absorption, detoxification and other processes.