What is exchange transfusion for jaundice?

Exchange transfusion is a potentially life-saving procedure that is done to counteract the effects of serious jaundice or changes in the blood due to diseases such as sickle cell anemia. The procedure involves slowly removing the person’s blood and replacing it with fresh donor blood or plasma.

What level of bilirubin needs exchange transfusion?

Cord bilirubin levels >5 mg/dl, bilirubin levels that rise >1 mg/dl/hour, or indirect bilirubin levels >20 mg/dl are all potential indications for exchange transfusion.

How is an exchange transfusion performed?

Description. An exchange transfusion requires that the person’s blood be removed and replaced. In most cases, this involves placing one or more thin tubes, called catheters, into a blood vessel. The exchange transfusion is done in cycles, each one most often lasts a few minutes.

Why was phototherapy selected for the baby as the treatment of choice rather than an exchange transfusion?

Treatment with phototherapy is implemented in order to prevent the neurotoxic effects of high serum unconjugated bilirubin. Phototherapy is a safe, effective method for decreasing or preventing the rise of serum unconjugated bilirubin levels and reduces the need for exchange transfusion in neonates.

How does phototherapy treat jaundice?

Phototherapy is treatment with a special type of light (not sunlight). It’s sometimes used to treat newborn jaundice by making it easier for your baby’s liver to break down and remove the bilirubin from your baby’s blood. Phototherapy aims to expose your baby’s skin to as much light as possible.

What is the disadvantage of phototherapy?

The short-term side effects of phototherapy include interference with maternal-infant interaction, imbalance of thermal environment and water loss, electrolyte disturbance, bronze baby syndrome and circadian rhythm disorder.

What is the newborn phototherapy guide tool?

This tool is designed to help guide phototherapy and other treatment decisions in newborns of at least 35 weeks gestational age.

What are the guidelines for exchange transfusion for preterm babies?

Phototherapy and Exchange Transfusion Guidelines for Preterm Infants < 35 Weeks Gestational Age Use total bilirubin (add conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin). If conjugated bilirubin is > 50% of total serum bilirubin, consult staff physician to determine levels for therapy.

What is the purpose of phototherapy in pregnancy?

The purpose of phototherapy is to prevent the need for exchange transfusion. With phototherapy, the serum bilirubin should decrease by approximately 20-35 micromol/litre in 4-6 hours. Use gestational age for the first 7 days of age and then postmenstrual age for determining phototherapy initiation levels.