What are the common complications of phototherapy?
The short-term side effects of phototherapy include interference with maternal-infant interaction, imbalance of thermal environment and water loss, electrolyte disturbance, bronze baby syndrome and circadian rhythm disorder.
How long does it take a bilirubin blanket to work?
Your baby will need to be under the light for about 1 to 2 days. He may also lie on a blanket of light, called a bili-blanket. He will stay under the bili-light as much as possible. During this time, his eyes will be covered with patches because the light can damage them.
Can phototherapy cause blindness?
In adults, prolonged exposure to blue light can cause retinal damage. Although retinal damage from phototherapy has not been reported, eye covers for newborns are standard prophylaxis.
What does fluorescent light do to bilirubin?
In phototherapy, shining fluorescent lights from the bili-light lamps are used on the bare skin of newborns. A specific wavelength of this light used in this therapy can break down the bilirubin into a form that the body can get rid of through urine and stool.
Can phototherapy cause brain damage?
Do not be alarmed if your baby has to have phototherapy; it does not mean that he or she is in danger of having brain damage. Doctors use this therapy to help prevent bilirubin from getting to a dangerous level. Feed your baby at least every 2 to 3 hours during the first week or two.
Can bilirubin lights damage eyes?
Retinal damage has been observed in some animal models during intense phototherapy. In an NICU environment, infants exposed to higher levels of ambient light were found to have an increased risk of retinopathy. Therefore, covering the eyes of infants undergoing phototherapy with eye patches is routine.
Does Biliblanket really work?
Conclusions: We have shown that the BiliBlanket is as effective as conventional phototherapy and was well accepted by nursing staff and parents.
How do I know if Biliblanket is working?
The bilirubin level will usually decrease every day with the treatment. The phototherapy may sometimes cause your baby to have brown coloured urine and loose brown/green bowel motions. These are signs that the treatment is working and the bilirubin level is decreasing.
Is biliblanket safe?
The biliblanket is safe and can be used for 24 hours a day as long as therapy is required. However, the duration of phototherapy will vary from individual to individual based on the baby’s current condition and disease state. It will also depend on the physician’s clinical judgement.
Does biliblanket really work?
What does blue light do for jaundice?
Phototherapy involves shining fluorescent light from the bili lights on bare skin. A specific wavelength of light can break down bilirubin into a form that the body can get rid of through the urine and stools. The light looks blue. The newborn is placed under the lights without clothes or just wearing a diaper.
