Neonatal jaundice refers to yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes caused by the accumulation or deposition of bilirubin in babies, mainly as a consequence of the destruction of red blood cells, since newborns have a higher volume of these cells with a shorter half-life.

And to this condition are added other specific factors that alter the normal metabolism of bilirubin in newborns, such as a lower concentration of albumin with lower degree of affinity for bilirubin; a lower level of enzymes responsible for bilirubin conjugation; and an absence of intestinal bacteria with less conversion to urobilinoids, which makes bilirubin excretion more difficult, and therefore this metabolite begins to accumulate in blood and deposit in mucous and tissues.

How is jaundice generated in babies? What are your risks?

Hemoglobin released from the physiological lysis of red blood cells in the circulatory stream which is subsequently converted into indirect bilirubin through a series of biochemical reactions.

Indirect bilirubin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, generating neuronal damage when it is in excessive amounts due to its neuronal toxicity effect, causing permanent neurological sequelae in the patient, so the levels of this should be monitored under strict medical surveillance to identify neonates who may develop severe hyperbilirubinemia and neurological disorders caused by elevated levels of bilirubin.

Treatments for neonatal jaundice

Mild jaundice in babies usually goes away on its own in two to three weeks. But if the baby has moderate or severe jaundice, he or she may need to stay longer in the neonatology ward or be hospitalized. Among the treatments to decrease the level of bilirubin in the baby’s blood we have:

• Improving nutrition. To prevent weight loss, the doctor may order more frequent feeding or supplements to ensure proper nutrition for the baby.
• Phototherapy: This is the therapy of choice usually to treat jaundice, and is characterized by employing the properties of light to reduce bilirubin levels, so the baby under a special lamp that emits light on an optimal spectrum to break down bilirubin. Light changes the shape and structure of bilirubin molecules in such a way that they can be more easily removed by urine and feces. During treatment, the baby will only wear diapers and eye protection patches on the eyes. Therapy can be complemented by the use of a light-emitting pad or mattress.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IgIV): Jaundice may be related to blood incompatibility between mother and baby. In this clinical picture, the baby receives antibodies from the mother that quickly destroy her red blood cells. Intravenous transfusion of an immunoglobulin, a blood protein can decrease antibody levels, can reduce jaundice and avoid the need for an exchange transfusion, although its results are not conclusive at all.
• Blood transfusion: It is a technique that is used very rarely, when especially when babies with severe jaundice do not respond to other treatments. This involves repeatedly removing small amounts of blood and replacing it with blood from donors to dilute bilirubin and maternal antibodies, it is important to note that this is a procedure that is performed in an intensive care unit for newborns.

What is a neonatal phototherapy incubator?

A neonatal phototherapy incubator is a medical team that provides optimal conditions for the care of newborns who are not prepared for extra-uterine life, and who usually suffer neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, clinical picture that leads to neonatal jaundice.

These incubators have phototherapy units, equipment composed of specialized lamps that allow to apply light therapy to treat hyperbilirubinemia, in addition to providing life support, isolate and provide heat to newborns.

What does Kalstein offer you?

Kalstein is a company MANUFACTURER of medical and laboratory equipment of the highest quality and the best technology at the best PRICES in the market, so you can make your PURCHASE with us, knowing that you have the service and advice of a company specialized in the field and committed to provide you with safe, economical and effective options for the performance of your functions in the right way. In this opportunity we present you our Child bilirubin phototherapy unit YR02194.

All newborn patients with hyperbilirubinemia need the best care for threatening jaundice. Our line of phototherapy products provides the reliability and stability of LED light intensive phototherapy for your baby patient. HERE

• The unit has a long life span providing 20,000 to 30,000 hours of light therapy.
• LED fluorescent lamp as radiant elements of phototherapy.
• The curing angle of the lamp can be adjusted horizontally.
• The height of the lamp head can be adjusted.
• The stainless steel bracket can be adjusted.
• Wheels can be locked
• Timer to record the phototherapy operation.
• Use in incubators, irradiant heat moses and any type of moses.
• The YR02194 unit with blue fluorescent tube has a separate frame that can be used with incubator, irradiant heat moses and any type of moses in family care.
• Widely applicable in all hospitals and clinics and optimized for babies with jaundice.

For more information we invite you to take a look at HERE