What are the AAP phototherapy thresholds?

AAP thresholds depend on gestational age and neurotoxicity risk factors. For a 40-week infant at 48 hours, phototherapy starts at approximately 18 mg/dL (low risk) or 15 mg/dL (medium risk). Thresholds are lower for preterm and higher-risk infants.

What neurotoxicity risk factors lower the phototherapy threshold?

Risk factors that lower the phototherapy threshold include: isoimmune hemolytic disease, G6PD deficiency, asphyxia, lethargy, temperature instability, sepsis, acidosis, and albumin below 3.0 g/dL.

How does phototherapy work to reduce bilirubin?

Phototherapy converts unconjugated bilirubin in the skin into water-soluble photoisomers (lumirubin and configurational isomers) that can be excreted without hepatic conjugation, bypassing the normal metabolic pathway.

Phototherapy Threshold for Neonatal Jaundice

Determine phototherapy initiation threshold (total serum bilirubin in mg/dL) based on gestational age, hours of life, and neurotoxicity risk factors per AAP guidelines.

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Phototherapy Threshold for Neonatal Jaundice

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the AAP phototherapy thresholds?

What neurotoxicity risk factors lower the phototherapy threshold?

How does phototherapy work to reduce bilirubin?