Phototherapy uses visible light to treat hyperbilirubinemia in infants by converting unconjugated bilirubin to a form that can be excreted from the body. It works by causing oxidation and photoisomerization of bilirubin. Phototherapy units contain fluorescent lamps that expose the infant's skin to blue light. Proper phototherapy involves monitoring the infant's temperature, feeding, hydration, and bilirubin levels during the procedure.

1. PHOTOTHERAPY
PREPAPREPARED BY:
NAOREM MONIKA DEVI
SENIOR TUTOR
SNSR

2. • DEFINITION
• Phototherapy is the procedure in which the baby is exposed to visible
light causes the oxidation and photo isomerization.

3. • PURPOSES
• The purpose of phototherapy is to convert bilirubin to lumirubin to
correct hyperbilieubinemia,

4. • MECHANISM
• The phototherapy causes a chemical reaction in skin that convert
unconjugated bilirubin to a from that can be excreted by the body.
Phototherapy also causes an oxidative reaction that allows unconjugated
bilirubin removal via the liver and the spleen.

6. • PARTS
 Fluorescent lamp as a light source
 Side rails
 Plat form to keep the body
 Mattress
 Power cord for connecting with power supply
 On/off switch light source
• Adjusting screen for light source

7. • TYPES
 Single layer phototherapy units: A system for controlling the
amount of light radiation directed upon an infant. It allows and keeps
the baby protected and warm. It contains a blue light it is directly
transverse through the infant.
 Double layer phototherapy units: It is a layered phototherapy unit
where the infants of jaundice received 2 layers of phototherapy i.e.
conventional and extra light source phototherapy from the
phototherapy bed.

8. • CONTRAINDICATION
 Skin diseases
 Hepatic dysfunction

9. METHODS
 A naked baby infant is placed under the light source at a distance.
 Baby’s eyes should be covered to prevent retinal damage and diaper to be kept
into light.
 Temperature to be recorded every 2nd hourly.
 More frequent breastfeeding to be given or extra fluid to be provided by IV
infusion or NG tube feeding to prevent dehydration.
 Baby’s weight to be recorded once a day.
 Constant observation should be made for urine, green loose stool, skin, rashes,
behaviour changes.
 Serum bilirubin level to be assessed at least for every 12 hours.
 Double surface phototherapy can be given for more effective management, when
the infant is placed on a fiber optic surface.
 Phototherapy is discontinue when serum bilirubin level is less than 10 mg/dl.

10. COMPLICATION
 Dehydration
 Kernicterus
 Watery diarrhea
 Retinal damage
 Bronze baby syndrome