How does phototherapy reduce serum bilirubin levels?

How does phototherapy reduce serum bilirubin levels?

Phototherapy is treatment with a special type of light (not sunlight). It’s sometimes used to treat newborn jaundice by lowering the bilirubin levels in your baby’s blood through a process called photo-oxidation. Photo-oxidation adds oxygen to the bilirubin so it dissolves easily in water.

How fast can bilirubin levels drop with phototherapy?

The overall rate of decrease in the bilirubin concentration for the duration of exposure to phototherapy was as follows: group 1, 0.8%+/-0.3% per hour; group 2, 0.6%+/-0.3% per hour; and group 3, 0.8%+/-0.3% per hour.

When do you recheck bilirubin after phototherapy?

The authors conclude that it is not necessary to keep infants in the hospital to check for rebound serum bilirubin levels in infants treated with phototherapy. They do recommend repeat serum bilirubin checks 24 hours after discharge to identify the small group of infants who have significant rebound in these levels.

Does jaundice come back after phototherapy?

It is not unusual for babies to still appear jaundiced for a period of time after phototherapy is completed. Bilirubin levels may rise again 18 to 24 hours after stopping phototherapy. Although rare, this requires follow-up for those who may need more treatment.

Do babies become dark after phototherapy?

With exposure to phototherapy lamps, these infants develop a dark, gray-brown discoloration of skin, urine, and serum. Although the exact etiology is not understood, this effect is thought to be the result of an accumulation of porphyrins and other metabolites.

Can bilirubin come back after phototherapy?

Bilirubin levels may rise again 18 to 24 hours after stopping phototherapy. Although rare, this requires follow-up for those who may need more treatment. Side effects — Phototherapy is very safe, but it can have temporary side effects, including skin rashes and loose stools.

Can bilirubin levels go back up after phototherapy?

Can bilirubin go up after phototherapy?

Can phototherapy burn baby skin?

Visible light phototherapy is an easily administered and effective treatment for neonatal indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Reported cutaneous side effects include transient rashes and the uncommon bronze baby syndrome. A more hazardous side effect is ultraviolet burn.