CARELINC BiliTx Parent's Manual

What is Jaundice?
Jaundice is a common, temporary, and usually harmless condition in newborn infants caused when the chemical
"bilirubin" builds up in the baby's blood. It is normal for everyone to have low levels of bilirubin in their blood because it
is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. As bilirubin builds up, it deposits in the fatty tissue under the
skin causing the baby's skin and whites of their eyes to appear yellow.
What causes Jaundice?
Jaundice can be caused by several different problems:
Physiological jaundice: This is the most common cause and occurs in more than 50% of babies. It is due to an immature
liver causing the bilirubin to be processed slower than normal. Usually appears at 2-3 days of age and usually disappears
at 1-2 weeks of age.
Breast-feeding jaundice: May occur when your baby does not drink enough breast milk. It occurs in 5-10% of newborns.
The jaundice indicates a need for help with breast-feeding.
Breast-milk jaundice: Occurs in 1-2% of breast-fed babies. It is caused by a special substance that some mothers
produce in their milk, causing the intestines to absorb more bilirubin back into the body. Usually starts at 4-7 days of
age, lasts about 3-10 weeks and is not harmful.
Blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO problems): If a baby and it's mother have different blood types, sometimes the
mother produces antibodies that destroy the newborn's red blood cells. This can cause a sudden buildup of bilirubin in
the baby's blood. Usually begins at 24 hours of life and is considered serious.
What is Phototherapy (BiliBlanket)?
High levels of bilirubin occurring in the blood is called hyperbilirubinemia. Very high levels can be dangerous to your
baby. Your baby will have blood tests done to determine the level of bilirubin and be treated if necessary to ensure the
health of your child.
Phototherapy (light therapy) is the process of using light to eliminate bilirubin in the blood. Your baby's skin and blood
absorb these light waves and changes the bilirubin into products that can be passed through their system. The type of
light used in the home is the same form of light found in sunlight. It uses fiber optics and is safe to use. It is the highest
level of therapeutic light available for treatment.
How do you use the BiliBlanket effectively?
 The blanket or pad is encased in a thin vest which then needs to be placed directly on the baby's skin.
 The type we use is a pad that should be placed on the back, with the writing on the outside of pad and the plain
side toward the skin.
 Secure the vest in front with Velcro. It does not need to be tight. It is placed on the back because it has the
highest amount of blood flow close to the skin.
© 2018 CareLinc Home Medical Equipment and Supply, LLC
YOUR BABY, JAUNDICE
AND PHOTOTHERAPHY
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