الفهرس 
Aim of the WorkOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
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Abstract
Jaundice is one of the most common and annoying problem that can occur in the newborn. Although most jaundiced infants recover without any serious problems, there is always a risk of billirubin encephalopathy during the period of hyperbilirubinemia. About 60% of term infants and 80% of preterm infants suffered bilirubinemia in the first week of life.
Phototherapy plays a significant role in the treatment and prevention of hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. Neonatal phototherapy can decrease plasma unconjugated bilirubin level, thus preventing bilirubin encephalopathy, and greatly reduces the exchange transfusion rate. However, this treatment modality may itself result in the development of some complications.
Generally, it is accepted that the side effects of neonatal phototherapy are not serious and seem to be well controlled, however recent research has provided new evidence. The short-term side effects of phototherapy include interference with maternal-infant interaction, imbalance of thermal environment and water loss, electrolyte disturbance, bronze baby syndrome, hypomagnesemia, and circadian rhythm disorder. In addition, phototherapy may be associated with some long-term side effects such as melanocytic nevi and skin cancer, allergic diseases, patent ductus arteriosus and retinal damage.
Hypocalcemia appears to be more common in premature infants under phototherapy lights. This may be due to higher penetration of light in premature infants. It has been suggested that this is mediated by altered melatonin metabolism. Melatonin stimulates secretion of corticosterone which decreases calcium absorption by bones. Phototherapy leads to inhibition of pineal gland via transcranial illumination, resulting in a decline in melatonin level and as a result, hypocalcemia develops.