What should you know about LED phototherapy for jaundice?

Jaundice causes yellowing when bilirubin builds up in the blood. LED units produce blue light that changes bilirubin in the skin into forms the body can remove more easily through urine and stool. Treatment is usually given with much of the skin exposed while the eyes are protected. The duration and intensity depend on the bilirubin result, age, cause and overall health.

Phototherapy treats bilirubin levels; it does not explain why they rose. Possible causes include newborn bilirubin changes, liver inflammation such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, blocked bile flow from Gallstones, and other liver or blood conditions.

Do not start a home LED device without a clinician’s plan. A healthcare professional may check the skin and eyes, order bilirubin and liver blood tests, and review medicines, feeding, hydration and stool or urine changes. During prescribed treatment, follow eye-protection and positioning instructions, keep review appointments, and report poor feeding, vomiting or unusual sleepiness. Ask how bilirubin will be rechecked after the light is stopped.

Seek urgent medical advice for jaundice with confusion, marked drowsiness, severe abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, bleeding, very pale stools or dark urine. In a newborn, urgent assessment is needed if yellowing appears in the first day, spreads quickly, or occurs with difficulty feeding, a weak cry, limpness or unusual movements.

Ask what caused the jaundice, what bilirubin level is being treated, how long LED therapy may be needed, and which symptoms should prompt immediate help. Clarify whether feeding, fluids or another treatment needs adjustment.