Neonatal Jaundice
—60% of term, and 80% of pre-term babies show signs of jaundice1. It’s important to know when and how to screen for it and to use gentle and effective phototherapy treatment when needed. On this page, you can discover different testing and treatment methods and learn when to use each one. Find out more about the concept of Phototherapy as a drug, about the recommendations of the latest AAP Guidelines, and about our effective newborn jaundice-related products. With the right tools and training, neonatal jaundice can be easily managed.
1) Mitra, Rennie: Neonatal Jaundice: aetiology, diagnosis and treatment, British Journal of Hospital Medicine, Volume 78, Number 12
Information at a glance
Find out more about neonatal jaundice and its impact in our infographic, and learn about key facts and figures, as well as standard screening and treatment measures!
Knowing when and how to screen
What are the differences between the common TSB Test and a TcB Test? Take a look at our informative video and learn more about how to screen for jaundice, including what visual cues to look for and what tests to use.
Dräger Jaundice Meter JM-105
The Dräger Jaundice Meter JM-105 gives you consistent quality screening, cost-effectively delivered over the lifetime of the device. As a result you optimize the efficiency of your jaundice management program, which can help save time and money while delivering an exceptional standard of care.
Efficient phototherapy treatment
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Three important factors for effective phototherapy
When newborns are born with high bilirubin levels, they may require phototherapy treatment. But effective treatment means more than simply placing blue light above jaundiced babies. Watch this video to learn about which factors should be taken into consideration.
The importance of the right dosage of phototherapy
Phototherapy (PT) is commonly used to treat neonatal jaundice but there is substantial variation in the application of PT and the measured irradiance.2 To improve clinical outcome, Maisels demands that “we should apply the same therapeutic rigour to the use of phototherapy as we do to the use of a pharmacologic agents in the newborn".2
Watch this video to learn more about the importance of setting the right dosage of phototherapy.
2) Maisels et al. “An Approach to the Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Preterm Infant Less than 35 Weeks of Gestation.” Journal Of Perinatology 32 (June 7, 2012): 660.
Phototherapy as a drug
In order to improve efficacy and safety in the treatment of neonatal jaundice, Lamola introduced a pharmacological perspective on the topic of phototherapy and the use of photons as a drug when prescribing phototherapy.3
Learn more on the concept of phototherapy as a drug, and on the recommendations of the latest AAP Guidelines of 2022.
3) Lamola AA. A Pharmacologic View of Phototherapy. Clin Perinatol. 2016 Jun;43(2):259-76. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Feb 15. PMID: 27235206.
BiliLux
The BiliLux is a compact and lightweight LED phototherapy light system for the treatment of neonatal unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. It provides superior phototherapy performance, fully complying to the recommendations of the AAP Guideline 2022. Furthermore, it offers individualised therapy with electronic documentation capabilities and the flexibility for seamless integration into practically every workplace.
Efficient jaundice management with the Dräger BiliLux
St. Mary’s Hospital in London was the first hospital to use our BiliLux LED-phototherapy light system. Senior Sister, Jeannine Pompon talks about how the BiliLux is helping them improve the jaundice management process – for both baby and caregiver.
Helpful tools and information
Jaundice Management: Research Study Tool
Get up-to-date and consolidated links to jaundice screening and phototherapy information – such as research papers and guidelines – in one easy reference guide.
Protecting baby and yourself: phototherapy accessories
Eye protection for the baby during phototherapy is a must – but what about everyone else in the NICU? Learn about our solutions for protecting baby, caregivers and parents during treatment.
Sample usage protocol for JM-105
Use this template to create a facility- or department-specific protocol for using the Dräger JM-105.
Creating a nurturing environment
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Jaundice management in the NICU
Dr. Sunit Godambe tells us why jaundice management is an important part of a nurturing NICU environment – and why it brings advantages for both babies and parents.
Handout: help parents understand neonatal jaundice
—Jaundice is extremely common in newborns. However, it can be a cause of anxiety for parents and families. This booklet explains jaundice in a simple way. Give it to the families of your little patients to help them worry less.
