Neonataalifototerapiassa

Neonatal phototherapy is a common medical treatment used to manage hyperbilirubinemia, a condition characterized by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood of newborn infants. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, the liver may not be fully mature enough to process bilirubin efficiently, leading to its accumulation. High levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and in severe cases, can lead to serious neurological damage known as kernicterus.

Phototherapy works by converting bilirubin into less toxic byproducts that can be more easily excreted by the infant's body. This is achieved by exposing the baby's skin to specific wavelengths of light, typically in the blue-green spectrum. The light energy is absorbed by the bilirubin in the skin, causing a chemical transformation.

The treatment is usually administered in a hospital nursery or neonatal intensive care unit. The infant is undressed and placed under a phototherapy unit, which can be a special overhead lamp or a fiber-optic blanket. The baby's eyes are protected with eye shields to prevent damage from the light. Treatment duration varies depending on the infant's bilirubin levels, gestational age, and other clinical factors. Blood tests are regularly performed to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy. Phototherapy is generally considered safe and effective, with minimal side effects, which can include transient skin rash or increased fluid loss.