Phototherapy is a therapeutic tool in which electromagnetic radiation (light) is used to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Phototherapy 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.
It is indicated in cases where there is an abnormal increase in indirect bilirubin levels (neonatal hyperbilirubinemia) and is always done by medical order. It is a fairly useful, effective and economical technique.
What is neonatal jaundice?
Jaundice refers to yellowing of skin and mucous membranes caused by accumulation or deposition of bilirubin. In newborns, the pathological increase in bilirubin is most often secondary to the destruction or lysis of red blood cells, since the concentration of these cells is higher in the fetus in order to make better use of the scarce amount of oxygen available in the uterine interior. 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.
Indirect bilirubin can cross the blood-brain barrier, causing neuronal damage when it is present in excessive amounts due to its neuronal toxicity effect, which can cause 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 the neonatal phototherapy protocol?
Phototherapy consists of the irradiation of light on the naked skin of the child locally. The light penetrates into the interior light of the skin blood capillaries causing a series of photochemical reactions on the bilirubin producing non-toxic and water-soluble metabolites that are easily eliminated through urine and feces.
The protocol of the phototherapy is simple, consists in the placement of a light at a distance of 30-40 cm of the naked body surface of the newborn previous placement of radiopaque glasses and elimination 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.
Care in phototherapy
- An opaque mask should be placed on the child.
- It is placed gently before turning on the lamp to prevent damage to the retina.
- Check frequently, that the mask does not hide the nostrils or press the eyeball.
- Remove the mask, at each food intake.
Care of the skin
- Maintain daily hygiene, monitor rashes
- Do not apply moisturizers, or oils to the child’s skin, because using these products during phototherapy can produce blisters and burns.
- Perform frequent diaper change.
- Monitor the child’s axillary temperature.
- Make postural changes every 3 hours in order to vary and increase the skin surface exposed to light.
General Care
- Control of diuresis and feces.
- Control possible side effects and complications during phototherapy: dehydration, burns, conjunctivitis, erythema, increased skin blood flow, hyperthermia or hypothermia.
- After the lamp is removed, the lamp is cleaned with a non-alcoholic disinfectant cloth, taking care that the liquid does not enter the lamp.
What do we offer you in Kalstein?
Kalstein is a company MANUFACTURER of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best prices in the market, so you can make your purchase confidently with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the field and committed to innovation. This time we present our Child Bilirubin Phototherapy Unit YR02194. Our line of phototherapy products provides you with the reliability and stability of LED light intensive phototherapy for your baby patient. The unit has a long service life providing between 20.000 and 30.000 hours of light therapy. This device has the following features: HERE
- LED fluorescent lamp as radiant elements of phototherapy.
- The curing angle of the lamp can be adjusted horizontally.
- The height of the lamp head can be adjusted.
- The stainless steel bracket can be adjusted.
- Wheels can be locked
- Timer to record phototherapy operation.
- Use in incubators, irradiant heat moses and any type of moses.
For more information we invite you to take a look at: HERE