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Glossary of Terms

Phototherapy
Ligth therapy to treat jaundice. Certain types of light chemically change bilirubin- the cause of jaundice to a form that is much easier for the body to eliminate. Shining light on the skin of infants effectively reduces the amount of bilirubin in the baby's system. Light therapy us usually used for only a few days. As the baby's liver increases its effectiveness in removing all forms of bilirubin, the light therapy is no longer needed.

Phototherapy may sometimes be given at home if the infant is otherwise ready to be discharged.
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Date Last Modified: 08/28/2003 09:43