Table of Contents
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.
What are the complications of hyperbilirubinemia?
The bilirubin can damage the brain and spinal cord, which can be life-threatening. Brain damage caused by high levels of bilirubin is also called bilirubin encephalopathy. Your baby may be at risk of developing kernicterus if: they have a very high level of bilirubin in their blood.
How can phototherapy complications be reduced?
Expose as much of the skin surface as possible to the phototherapy light. To maximise skin exposure, dress the baby in a nappy and their protective eye covers only. Cover the eyes with appropriate opaque eye covers e.g. Natus Biliband® Eye Protector (available from Butterfly ward).
How does phototherapy cause hypocalcemia?
Hakinson and Hunter hypothesized that phototherapy inhibits pineal secretion of melatonin which blocks the effect of cortisol on bone calcium. So cortisol increases bone uptake of calcium and induces hypocalcaemia.
Can bilirubin levels increase after phototherapy?
Bilirubin levels may rise again 18 to 24 hours after stopping phototherapy. Although rare, this requires follow-up for those who may need more treatment. Side effects — Phototherapy is very safe, but it can have temporary side effects, including skin rashes and loose stools.
Can phototherapy cause blindness?
Why are the baby’s eyes covered? 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.
Why is calcium added to melatonin?
Melatonin and calcium carbonate can significantly improve antioxidative ability in rats with osteoporosis, increase bone density, elevate serum calcium level and reduce bone mineral loss, thus preventing and treating osteoporosis, and the combination displays more remarkable effects.
When do you recheck bilirubin after phototherapy?
The authors conclude that it is not necessary to keep infants in the hospital to check for rebound serum bilirubin levels in infants treated with phototherapy. They do recommend repeat serum bilirubin checks 24 hours after discharge to identify the small group of infants who have significant rebound in these levels.
Are Bili Lights harmful?
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.
Is UVB phototherapy safe?
Ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy is a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis. UVB treatment typically requires patients to visit an outpatient clinic two to three times per week during business hours, a schedule which can be impractical for some individuals.
Does vitamin D decrease melatonin?
It seems vitamin D helps you sleep because it takes part in the regulation of our circadian rhythms. Increasing dosages could be the first step to improving sleep, but pay attention to its effects. Vitamin D may suppress melatonin production. So take it in the day, not before bed.
Does melatonin affect platelets?
Abstract. In addition to its well-known influence on circadian rhythms, melatonin has been described as being able to increase the number of platelets in circulating blood.