The neonatal jaundice or physiological jaundice, very common in newborns, is a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood It causes a yellowing of the skin and the sclera (white part of the eyes) of the baby from the second or third day of life.
When the baby is inside the uterus, it is the mother's liver that is responsible for removing the baby's bilirubin, but once the baby's liver has been born it takes a while to start functioning properly. That is why bilirubin levels in some newborns is high.
The most serious cases of intense hyperbilirubinThey may need an exchange transfusion, a treatment in which part of the body's blood is replaced by another from donors. In a small group of babies, jaundice is really due to a disease, for example in cases of blood incompatibility between the mother and the baby.
In Babies and more Jaundice in newborns could be an evolutionary defense system against death from sepsisIn these cases it appears before, in general the first day of life, and requires treatment. It can also appear in newborns because of liver malformations or biliary abnormalities. In older children, jaundice can be a sign of hepatitis or a disease that is destroying red blood cells.
Jaundice treatment
It does not require treatment if the bilirubin level does not exceed a level of safety that depends on the child's weight and the days of life. When it exceeds that level it requires phototherapy, a treatment in which the baby is exposed to ultraviolet light.
It is placed under blue fluorescent lights, also known as bililuces, with the eyes covered so as not to damage them and the child is turned so that he receives the light throughout his body. A blanket has also been created that incorporates phototherapy so that the baby can be in the arms of his parents while receiving the treatment.
When acting on the skin, the light waves act modifying the molecular structure of bilirubin breaking it down into non-toxic substances that are eliminated by the body through urine and feces. In this way, light rays accelerate the bilirubin removal process until it returns to normal safety levels.
Is a safe and effective method, besides being harmless to the baby.
During the treatment, the baby's vital signs, temperature and responses are monitored at all times. Blood tests are done regularly to check the bilirubin level. When you reach normal numbers, therapy is discontinued.
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