What
is jaundice?
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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.
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Jaundice typically occurs within the first few days of
life and in most cases is benign.
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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.
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Jaundice is the most common health condition requiring
medical attention in newborns, typically phototherapy or blood
transfusion.
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There are two types of jaundice: direct and indirect
hyperbilirubinemia.
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Phototherapy treats indirect hyperbilirubinemia.
How does
phototherapy work?
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Discovered in 50’s and 60’s, phototherapy chemically
changes billirubin molecules to a water-soluble form as light penetrates skin
surface.
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Changed molecules enter the liver cell are:
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Some of these new molecules can be changed back to
their original form.