Overview; What Is Jaundice; What Is Bilirubin; What Is Phototherapy - Respironics Wallaby 3 Manual Profesional

Overview

Overview
This section explains how the Wallaby Phototherapy System is used to treat infant jaundice.

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a yellowish skin discoloration caused by an excess of bilirubin that has accumulated in the
fatty tissues of the skin.

What is Bilirubin?

Bilirubin is a naturally occurring molecule, released into the bloodstream when red blood cells break
down. The breaking down of red blood cells occurs as a normal part of the constant renewing of our
bodies. Usually, the level of bilirubin is of no concern since the liver breaks down the bilirubin so that it is
excreted through urine and bile.
Infants are born with extra red blood cells that provide the oxygen needed while the baby grows in the
mother's uterus. Once the baby is born, the excess red blood cells break down and bilirubin begins to
build up. Some newborns have a premature liver that cannot effectively process the extra bilirubin,
jaundice results. It is normal in all newborns for bilirubin to rise during the first 3 to 4 days of life, peak,
and slowly decline. In a few babies, the bilirubin rises beyond what is considered an acceptable level and
therapy is required.
Left untreated, high bilirubin levels can be toxic and can possibly cause brain damage. Phototherapy
should be initiated when the infant's serum bilirubin concentration exceeds the acceptable limits
determined by the baby's physician. After treatment has begun, the baby's bilirubin level should be
measured to make sure that the therapy is effective. The bilirubin should drop to an acceptable level in a
few days.

What is Phototherapy?

Phototherapy simply means treatment with light. In phototherapy, the special light causes the bilirubin to
break down into a form that can be excreted by the baby.
Phototherapy previously required the baby be readmitted to the hospital. Today, with the development of
portable lights and systems such as the Wallaby Phototherapy System, babies can be kept at home while
treatment takes place.

What is the Wallaby 3 Phototherapy System?

Any phototherapy system uses visible light to convert bilirubin to waste products that are mostly excreted
into bile, thus reducing the bilirubin level in the baby's blood.
The Wallaby is a fiberoptic phototherapy system that consists of an Illuminator unit – the source of the
therapeutic light – and a fiberoptic panel that delivers the therapeutic light to the baby.
The Illuminator unit sends light out the fiberoptic cable to the entire area of the panel. The panel is
inserted into a protective cover composed of hypoallergenic material or soft cotton. This wrap is soft and
comfortable and allows the therapeutic light to be emitted towards the baby.
3