Phototherapy is a therapeutic measure in which light (electromagnetic radiation) is used to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This technique allows the transformation of bilirubin into water-soluble photoisomers that can be excreted in feces and urine, without the need to conjugate in the liver.
What is neonatal jaundice?
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the accumulation or deposition of bilirubin. In neonates, the increase in bilirubin is most often secondary to the destruction or lysis of red blood cells, as the concentration of these cells is higher in the fetus in order to make better use of the scarce amount of oxygen available inside the uterine. After the baby is born, the amount of red blood cells is no longer needed, so a large number of them are naturally destroyed, causing an increase in the release of hemoglobin into the bloodstream that will be subsequently converted to indirect or unconjugated bilirubin (liposoluble) by a series of biochemical reactions.
Free bilirubin can cross the blood-brain barrier causing neuronal damage when found in excessive amounts by its neuronal toxicity effect, which can generate permanent neurological sequelae in the patient. That is why this pathological condition should be prevented by maintaining safe levels of bilirubin in the blood, being phototherapy one of the most used techniques for this purpose.
What is neonatal phototherapy?
The treatment of neonatal jaundice is a simple protocol that consists of placing a light at a distance of 30-40 cm from the naked body surface of the newborn previous placement of radiopaque glasses and removal of any cream or lotion of the skin. The administration of phototherapy will depend on the bilirubin levels, age of life, gestational age at birth and the clinical status of the newborn.
Benefits of phototherapy
The main benefit of phototherapy is that it allows to treat neonatal jaundice safely, innocuously, easily and with excellent results, especially in the case of premature babies. Jaundice in newborns, if not treated, can affect the nervous system and, with it, mental and auditory development.
Risks of phototherapy
The side effects of phototherapy are similar to those produced by the sun. Redness of the skin may occasionally appear with itching. There may be an increase in pigmentation and dry skin, which forces the use of moisturizers. Therefore, the use of phototherapy in neonatal incubators should be carried out by highly qualified personnel and under continuous medical supervision.
What do we offer you in Kalstein?
At Kalstein we are MANUFACTURERS of medical equipment of the highest quality at the best PRICES in the market. This time we present the Child bilirubin phototherapy unit YR02195. This device has the following characteristics:
- This model has 4 suction cup legs to be fixed in an incubator.
- LED as radiant elements of phototherapy.
- Fan-less design for a quiet atmosphere.
- Large area light source for better curing.
- It can be used with most other types of baby incubators.
For more information we invite you to take a look at: HERE
