According to the March of Dimes, newborn jaundice occurs in 60 percent of all newborns. Most newborns do not need any treatment for the jaundice to resolve. Often, frequent feedings are encouraged to help speed up bilirubin elimination from bowel movements. If jaundice does not clear up on its own or is considered moderate to severe, light therapy may be initiated.
What Is Jaundice?
Part of the function of the liver is to break down dead red blood cells. As the red blood cells are broken down, bilirubin is created as a byproduct. In a normally functioning, mature liver, the bilirubin is excreted through urine and bowel movements. But in a newborn, the liver may not be mature enough to adequately break down the red blood cells. Meanwhile, bilirubin--which has a yellow pigment--builds up in the blood stream, causing the tell-tale signs of jaundice: yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Blue light therapy is a common treatment for newborn and infant jaundice.
Why Blue Light?
Treatment of infants with jaundice may require light therapy. The baby is placed under a light that emits blue to green spectrum rays. The blue light changes the shape and structure of the yellow bilirubin molecules, helping them to be excreted from the body through the stool and urine.
Time Frame of Blue Light Therapy for Jaundice
With most cases of newborn jaundice, the yellowing of the skin begins a few days after birth. Some babies receive blue light therapy before being discharged from the hospital, but others may be admitted back to the hospital for the treatment. Jaundice levels should be checked before the newborn goes home from the hospital and again between 3 to 5 days after birth when bilirubin levels are at their highest.
Safety of Blue Light Therapy
Exposure to ultraviolet rays has been linked to skin and eye damage. Many parents may be concerned about ultraviolet exposure during blue light therapy. Ultraviolet rays are not used during blue light therapy, and a special plastic shield is used to filter out any possible ultra violet rays during treatment.
Blue light therapy is considered safe. Some babies may develop a skin rash that will resolve after treatment with the blue light is completed.
Blue Light Therapy
The baby is placed under the blue lights--also called bili lights--wearing only a small diaper and protective eye shields. Sometimes a light-emitting pad or mattress is also used to supplement the light therapy. The amount of time spent under the bili lights depends on the levels of bilirubin in the baby's blood and the health care provider's recommendation.
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