title: Neonatal jaundice: update on phototherapy management.
abstract: Phototherapy is now the standard form of treatment for infants with neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia. Though gradual in its effect, it finally produces a prolonged reduction in bilirubin values; retreatment with phototherapy is relatively rare. Factors that affect efficacy of phototherapy are: initial bilirubin level, birth weight, gestational age, postnatal age, aetiology of jaundice and light intensity and spectral emission. Phototherapy has now been demonstrated to be highly effective and safe; with simple precautions, no untoward side-effects will occur. The guidelines for commencement, monitoring and cessation of phototherapy are provided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D001724:Birth Weight; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010789:Phototherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D013997:Time Factors; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D001663:Bilirubin