Question

Phototherapy (Tbil > 20) --> ionizes the unconjugated bilirubin so it can be excreted. Double volume exchange transfusion (Tbil > 25) if that doesn't work.

Answer 1

Phototherapy is a treatment for high levels of bilirubin in newborns, while a double volume exchange transfusion is a more aggressive option if phototherapy is unsuccessful.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is a treatment for jaundice in newborns with high levels of bilirubin. When the total serum bilirubin (Tbil) level exceeds 20, phototherapy is used to ionize the unconjugated bilirubin so that it can be excreted from the body. This involves exposing the baby's skin to blue or white light, which helps convert the bilirubin molecules into a more soluble form that can be eliminated through urine and stool.

Double volume exchange transfusion

If phototherapy does not effectively lower the Tbil level and it exceeds 25, a double volume exchange transfusion may be performed. This procedure involves replacing a large portion of the baby's blood with donor blood to remove the excess bilirubin. It is considered a more aggressive and invasive treatment option for severe cases of hyperbilirubinemia that are unresponsive to phototherapy.