The phototherapy units are medical equipment that expose fluorescent light for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates, which are reflected in the color of their eyes, skin and mucous membranes, which causes that yellowish color, because of the elevation of bilirubin in the blood, which has not been processed by the liver, inducing in them an increase in blood levels and as a consequence produces these changes in the neonates.
This is due to the result of pathological or physiological factors in most neonates, caused by physiological alterations and frequently are related to the inability of the liver development, which is immature to process high levels of bilirubin.
Management of neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia
Generally, all hyperbilirubinemia is considered pathological and should be carefully studied, because no child should be yellow within 24 hours of birth. To determine the health status of the newborns, physical examination should be performed, it should be accurate, to detect signs of hepatosplenomegaly, sepsis, congenital infection, and jaundice.
It is recommended, first of all, the prior evaluation, taking into account the coloration of the palms of the hands, and behind the knees, to detect jaundice after discharge. This isn’t that simple, even for doctors.
Therefore, through laboratory tests, bilirubin levels are detected directly in blood, and finally, proceed in treatment, as required by the patient, and in the case of detecting high levels, the use of phototherapy units, where neonates are exposed under white fluorescent light, and increases insensitive losses of body temperature, with risk of hyperthermia.
Benefits of Phototherapy to combat Hyperbilirubinemia
Hyperbilirubinemia is determined by a serum bilirubin grouping greater than 1.5mg; according to the origin of this increase, treatments are established and phototherapy is one of the most used means to treat hyperbilirubinemia of the newborn, through exposure of the neonate to the fluorescent light source. It acts by the absorbed light that degrades the bilirubin impregnated in the skin, transforming it into water-soluble derivatives that will be eliminated from the body without the previous need for hepatic conjugation.
For effectiveness, it is recommended that the nursing staff, fully develop the steps in its application, among them this:
- Cover the neonate’s eyes to prevent retinal damage.
- Change the position of the child every 4-6 hours.
- The newborn must have all of his skin exposed to light from phototherapy.
- To perform blood bilirubin tests every 6-12 hours in patients with an interval of 12-24 hours, being necessary for hyperbilirubinemia to be metabolized at the skin level and the evaluation of this pigment is lost.
- Inspect body temperature for possible overheating.
- Do not use in patients with liver problems.
- Take measures to place the tubes to avoid overheating.
To do this, it is necessary to have technical knowledge, proven professional conditions, good control and skill in the use of the equipment, in addition to following the recommendations described above, since they meet a patient who cannot communicate and depends totally on the care that these professionals grant him.It must be added, that with this treatment, not only is the levels of hyperbilirubinemia reduced, but also the organism is detoxified.
Phototherapy Units in Kalstein
We at Kalstein have a wide range of medical equipment and especially the children’s bilirubin phototherapy units, since all newborn patients with hyperbilirubinemia need the best care for threatening jaundice. Our line of phototherapy products, provides the safety and firmness of LED light intensive phototherapy for your baby patient. The unit has a long service life providing between 20,000 and 50,000 hours of light therapy. Our equipment models belong to the YR series widely applicable in all health centers.
We are manufacturers and have excellent prices with guaranteed advice to make your purchase the right one. We invite you to see our catalog at HERE or better yet, visit us at HERE