Jaundice is common in newborns--it typically begins on the second or third day of life, and goes away after one to two weeks. However, some children experience persistent jaundice, which can damage the liver and other organs. For these children, phototherapy is sometimes used to correct high bilirubin levels in the bloodstream that cause jaundice.
Definition
Phototherapy is the use of lights to correct hyperbilirubinemia, or high blood levels of bilirubin. It involves placing lights over the unclothed infant, according to the University of Michigan Children's Hospital website. The light waves are absorbed through the skin and convert the bilirubin into substances that can be excreted through urine and feces.
Purpose
Jaundice has several causes that may necessitate phototherapy, according to the University of Michigan Children's Hospital website. Breast milk feeding may cause persistent jaundice if the mother and infant have incompatible blood types. Bilirubin levels may also rise if the infant does not drink sufficient amounts of breast milk. In rare cases, congenital liver problems such as biliary atresia, or lack of bile ducts connecting the liver to the intestine, can cause chronic hyperbilirubinemia, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
History
Medical facilities have used phototherapy to treat hyperbilirubinemia for over 30 years, according to the University of Michigan Children's Hospital website. The process of light therapy has remained relatively unchanged.
Alternative
Some medical professionals prescribe bili-blankets to treat jaundice. A bili-blanket is a body blanket that contains fiber optics that provide the light necessary to address persistent jaundice. It is considered safer than traditional phototherapy because the bili-blanket does not emit infrared or ultraviolet light, according to the University of Michigan Children's Hospital website. The infant can remain in the bili-blanket around the clock if necessary.
In some cases, a bili-blanket is used in conjunction with standard phototherapy.
Risks
Some medical professionals believe that aggressive phototherapy may produce neurotoxin that can increase a jaundiced infant's risk of death, particularly in infants with low birth weight. However, current research is insufficient to establish a relationship between phototherapy and the development of neurotoxins, according to B. H. Morris, lead author of "Aggressive vs. Conservative Phototherapy for Infants with Extremely Low Birth Weight."
References
- University of Michigan Children's Hospital: Your Baby, Jaundice and Phototherapy
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Biliary Atresia
- New England Journal of Medicine: "Aggressive vs. Conservative Phototherapy for Infants with Extremely Low Birth Weight"; B. H. Morris; October 30, 2008
