Guidelines to deliver safe and effective phototherapy
- Introduction...
- 1. Guidelines for ...
- 2. Guidelines for ...
- 3. Guidelines for ...
- 4. Measures to inc...
- 5. Supportive care...
Introduction
Dr. C. APARNA
MD, DM (Neonatology)
Consultant Neonatologist
Ankura Hospital for Women and Children
Kukatpally, Hyderabad
1. Guidelines for optimizing phototherapy – equipment factors-01
► Use special blue tubes or LED light source
♦ Using only white tube lights is less effective
♦ Do not use sunlight as treatment for jaundice
2. Guidelines for optimizing phototherapy – equipment factors-02
► Monthly irradiance check with flux meter is a must
♦ Ideal irradiance of at least 30 microW/cm2/nm
3. Guidelines for optimizing phototherapy – equipment factors-03
► Keep the phototherapy unit as close as possible [upto
15 cms] ensuring that the neonate maintains normal
temperature
► Align the phototherapy unit so that the neonate lies directly
beneath the centre of the unit
4. Measures to increase effectiveness of phototherapy
► Increase the exposed body surface area of the infant under
phototherapy
♦ By placing another phototherapy unit beneath/ by the side
of the neonate
♦ Reflecting material around the incubator or radiant
warmer bed is optional
♦ Keep the diapers as short as possible
5. Supportive care
► Ensure adequate hydration - Continue breast feeding/ breast
milk feeding
► No role of routine intravenous fluids or supplemental feeds,
unless baby is clinically dehydrated
► May interrupt for feeding/ clinical care procedures provided
total serum bilirubin is lower than exchange threshold
► Monitor urine output
► Cover the eye with opaque eye patches
► Monitor temperature every 2 hours
► Routine position changing is not recommended