Phototherapy is a technique where the effect of light (electromagnetic radiation) is used to treat neonatal jaundice, because light acts on bilirubin, promoting its transformation into water-soluble photoisomers that can be excreted in feces and urine. , without the need to conjugate in the liver.

The effects that cause neonatal jaundice can lead to serious neurological sequelae, so they must be prevented by maintaining safe levels of bilirubin in the newborn, phototherapy being one of the most used techniques for this purpose.

What is neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is common in newborns due to increased red blood cell turnover and liver immaturity. Approximately 80% of premature infants develop it, and accentuated physiological jaundice predominates.

In full-term newborns, it appears between days 2 and 4 of life with spontaneous resolution between one and 2 weeks; but in the presence of risk factors, it can appear before 36 hours of life and affect the central nervous system in the basal nuclei, with neuronal apoptosis and sequelae because indirect bilirubin is a compound with neuronal toxicity. This risk is higher in premature babies because their nervous system is more sensitive to low levels of bilirubin due to the immaturity of the blood-brain barrier.

What is phototherapy? When is it needed?

Blue wave spectrum phototherapy (430-490nm) is the treatment of choice to treat neonatal jaundice, because it produces isomerization of bilirubin with renal and intestinal excretion. The decision to start phototherapy will be based on standard curves according to chronological age, gestational age, weight and risk factors such as: isoimmune hemolytic disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, lethargy, asphyxia, unstable temperature, sepsis, acidosis and hypoalbuminemia.

The effectiveness of this technique will depend on the spectrum and spectral irradiance of the light. Ideal phototherapy devices should have light output that covers the maximum body surface in the horizontal plane, be durable, generate little heat, and provide optimal wavelength and light intensity (460-490nm and ≥30μW/cm2/nm). ). The most widely used today are fluorescent lamps that emit intense heat and require the use of eye protectors, in addition to increasing water loss, requiring permanent monitoring of vital functions and temperature. Although most recent devices employ blue light emitting diodes (LED lights); these generate a greater decrease in bilirubin levels.

Phototherapy protocol

Phototherapy is based on a fairly simple protocol that consists of placing a light at a distance of 30-40 cm from the bare body surface of the newborn after placing radiopaque glasses and removing any cream or lotion from the skin. The administration of phototherapy will depend on the bilirubin levels, the age of life, the gestational age at birth and the clinical status of the neonate.

Phototherapy treatment in the hospital often lasts 1 to 2 days. The radiation is done through a light lamp, special blue fluorescent or LED systems can be used. Unless there are other problems, the child will be able to feed (breastfeed or bottle feed) normally. It should be fed every 2 to 2 ½ hours (10 to 12 times a day).

What does Kalstein offer you?

Kalstein is a MANUFACTURER of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best PRICES on the market, so you can confidently make your PURCHASE with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a specialist company in the field and committed to providing you with safe, economical and effective options for the performance of your duties in the correct manner. In this opportunity we present our Children’s Bilirubin Phototherapy Unit YR02194.

All newborn patients with hyperbilirubinemia need the best care for life-threatening jaundice. Our phototherapy product line provides you with the reliability and stability of intensive LED light phototherapy for your baby patient.

• The unit has a long lifespan providing between 20,000 and 0,000 hours of light therapy.
• LED fluorescent lamp as radiating elements of phototherapy.
• The curing angle of the lamp can be adjusted horizontally.
• The height of the lamp head can be adjusted.
• Stainless steel bracket can be adjusted.
• Wheels can be locked
• Timer to record the phototherapy operation.
• Use in incubators, radiant heat bassinets and any type of bassinet.
• The YR02194 unit with blue fluorescent tube has a freestanding frame.

Entity that can be used with incubator, radiant heat bassinet and any kind of bassinet in family care.

• Widely applicable in all hospitals and clinics and optimized for jaundiced babies.

For more information, we invite you to take a look HERE