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Exchange transfusion may be used to replace the baby's damaged blood with fresh blood. This helps increase the red blood cell count and lower the levels of bilirubin. An exchange transfusion is done by alternating giving and withdrawing blood in small amounts through a vein or artery. Exchange transfusions may need to be repeated if the bilirubin levels remain high.
Doctors usually use phototherapy, or light treatment, to bring down bilirubin levels. The infant is placed under special fluorescent lamps that convert the excess bilirubin into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in bile and urine. The infant receives treatment usually in an incubator, for approximately two to three days. During that period, parents can take the baby out of the incubator for feeding, or they can reach in and touch their child.
Exchange blood transfusion. Rarely, when severe jaundice doesn't respond to other treatments, a baby may need an exchange transfusion of blood. This involves repeatedly withdrawing small amounts of blood, "diluting out" the bilirubin and maternal antibodies, and then transferring blood back into the baby - a procedure that's performed in a newborn intensive care unit.
You may be given a fiberoptic light blanket to use in the hospital or at home to lower your babys bilirubin levels. The blanket can be used in the same manner as a regular blanket. It can be placed on the baby or the baby may be wrapped in the blanket, and no protective eye patches are needed. The blanket may be used alone or in conjunction with fluorescent light therapy.
Pathologic jaundice is the term used jaundice presents a health risk. Pathologic jaundice can occur in children or adults. It arises for many reasons, including blood incompatibilities, blood diseases, genetic syndromes, hepatitis, cirrhosis, bile duct blockage, other liver diseases, infections, or medications.
Treatment may be needed for several days before bilirubin levels in the blood return to normal. The baby's eyes are shielded to prevent the optic nerves from absorbing too much light. Another type of treatment uses a special fiberoptic blanket. There is no need to shield the baby's eyes with this treatment, and it can be done at home. In rare cases, where bilirubin levels are extremely high, the baby may need to receive a blood transfusion.
The patient should be put on a juice fast for a week. The juices of oranges, lemons, grapes, pears, carrots, beets and sugarcane can be taken. A hot water enema should be taken daily during this period to ensure regular bowel elimination, thereby preventing the absorption of decomposed, poisonous material into the blood stream. I h" juice fast may be continued till the acute symptoms subside.
Research has shown that the liver has an excellent capacity to regenerate itself provided all essential nutrients adequately supplied. Diets high in complete proteins. Vitamin C.
and B vitamins, particularly choline. And vitamin E can hasten its regeneration. Even after recovery, it is essentialities to maintain the diet for a long period to prevent recurrence of the trouble.
Feed babies frequently and don't let them become dehydrated. With jaundice, the important thing to prevent is kernicterus -- toxic levels of bilirubin accumulating in the brain. Early identification and treatment of jaundice will usually prevent kernicterus, whatever the cause. Beyond this, jaundice is a symptom of other problems that have their own prevention strategies.
