Phototherapy in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: An Overview

Abstract

The first report on the use of phototherapy for treatment of neonates with jaundice was published more than 20 years ago. Since then, phototherapy has been used extensively in the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Phototherapy is the use of visible light for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn.There are different types of phototherapy systems in use in recent times.Effectiveness of phototherapy depends on several factors which should be considered while delivering phototherapy to a jaundiced neonate.Effective phototherapy had decreased the need for exchange transfusion.Proper nursing care enhances the effectiveness of phototherapy and minimizes complications.The purpose of this review article is to provide a conceptual review on role of phototherapy in neonatal jaundice, different types of phototherapy systems in use, recent advances, probable side effects of phototherapy.