Phototherapy for neonatal jaundice.

Phototherapy is now the preferred method of treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia by virtue of its noninvasive nature and its relative freedom from major complications. It is also convenient, easy to use, and inexpensive in terms of personnel, equipment, and disposals. Long-term experience with phototherapy has demonstrated its safety as well as efficacy. With high-intensity phototherapy at saturation dose, even severe hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia can be adequately controlled; only pack-cell transfusions are required to correct the resulting anemia. It should be stressed, however, that adequate monitoring of the well-being of the baby together with the bilirubin levels should always be observed carefully. The lamps should be kept cool during phototherapy and be changed regularly after every 2000 hours of use. Observing such precautions will ensure the efficacy and safety of phototherapy.