HOW LONG IS PHOTOTHERAPY USUALLY NEEDED?
There are no specific guidelines for when to discontinue phototherapy. Evidence of hemolysis and age of the infant will impact the duration. In some cases, phototherapy will only be needed for 24 hours or less, in some cases, it may be required for 5 – 7 days. The AAP Guidelines suggest that an infant readmitted for hyperbilirubinemia, with a level of 18 mg/dL or more, should have a level of 13 – 14 mg/dL in order to discontinue phototherapy. In general, serum bilirubin levels should show a significant decrease before the lights are turned off. Physical examination for jaundice is not helpful once treatment has started as the yellow color of the skin is temporarily “bleached” by the phototherapy.
