Is it necessary to use blue light for newborns with high jaundice?

Newborns with high jaundice do not necessarily need blue light treatment. Whether treatment is needed and what treatment method to adopt should be determined based on the actual situation of the newborn and the professional judgment of the doctor.

Jaundice occurs due to the increase in bilirubin levels in newborns, which is a product of the breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, since the liver function is not yet perfect, the metabolism and excretion of bilirubin are relatively weak, so jaundice is prone to occur. Jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological types. Physiological jaundice usually subsides on its own within a certain period of time, while pathological jaundice requires medical intervention.

Blue light therapy, as an effective method to reduce serum bilirubin levels, is widely used in the treatment of neonatal jaundice. The principle is to convert unconjugated bilirubin into water-soluble isomers through irradiation with blue light of a specific wavelength, which makes it easier to be excreted through bile and urine. However, not all newborns with high jaundice need blue light therapy.

For physiological jaundice, no special treatment is needed in most cases. Just make sure the newborn gets enough water and nutrition and gets more sun exposure. Jaundice will usually disappear on its own within a few weeks. For pathological jaundice, the doctor will make a comprehensive judgment on whether blue light therapy is needed based on the specific level of bilirubin, the overall condition of the newborn, and whether there are high-risk factors.

In addition to blue light therapy, doctors may also take other treatment measures for newborns with high jaundice, such as intravenous albumin infusion, blood transfusion therapy, etc., to ensure the safety and health of the newborn.