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Disadvantages Of Phototherapy

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Phototherapy remains the treatment of choice for treating neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. (Verma 2015) A light source of wavelength 460-490 nm is recommended to cause photoisomerization of insoluble bilirubin to soluble isomers which are readily excreted into the bile without prior conjugation. (Verma 2015) In breastfed infants who require phototherapy, breastfeeding should continue. Phototherapy is generally very safe and may have no serious long-term effects in neonates. However, some adverse effects and complications have been noted. Insensible water loss may occur. While there is no evidence to support the administration of additional fluids to jaundiced infants, neonates under aggressive phototherapy may need additional …show more content…

(Moerschel 2008, Honar 2015) Perhaps one of the more important disadvantages of phototherapy is its prevention of relationship between the mother and the child and interfering with maternal-infant bonding. (Honar 2015, AAP 2004, Ip). Therefore, using adjuvant therapies, which reduce the duration of phototherapy and decrease serum bilirubin levels, are necessary. (Honar …show more content…

One trial studied the effectiveness of UDCA versus phenobarbital for the treatment of neonatal cholestasis, and the result showed that neonates treated with UDCA at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day every 12 hours for 7 days had significantly decreased serum bilirubin levels, while phenobarbital had no effect. (Maldonado 2009). It has also been used successfully in the management of hereditary condition associated with hyperbilirubinemia and cholestasis, including Crigler-Najjar disease and Kabuki syndrome. The other popular uses of UDCA are among patients with biliary atresia and treatment of parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in infants and children. (Willot 2008) UDCA is generally well tolerated. In clinical trials of adults, the most frequently reported adverse effects have been nausea, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, and back or abdominal pain. In children, the most frequently reported adverse effect has been diarrhea (Mitchell 1997). A single report of an UDCA overdose in an infant resulted in no significant adverse effects (Goodwin) despite receiving 148 mg/kg/day for 6 days. Patient had no symptoms and her serum transaminases were within normal

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