What is jaundice? 

• Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes resulting from high levels of bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) and tissue caused by normal or accelerated breakdown of red blood cells. 

• Jaundice typically occurs within the first few days of life and in most cases is benign. 

• Because of the potential toxicity of bilirubin, newborn infants must be monitored to identify those who might develop severe hyperbilirubinemia and, in rare cases, acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus.

• Jaundice is the most common health condition requiring medical attention in newborns, typically phototherapy or blood transfusion.  

• There are two types of jaundice: direct and indirect hyperbilirubinemia. 

•  Phototherapy treats indirect hyperbilirubinemia.    

How does phototherapy work? 

• Discovered in 50’s and 60’s, phototherapy chemically changes billirubin molecules to a water-soluble form as light penetrates skin surface. 

• Changed molecules enter the liver cell are: 

  • Conjugated 

  • Excreted into the bile, urine and stool 

  • Eliminated from body. 

• Some of these new molecules can be changed back to their original form.