answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In ADULT hepatocellular or hemolytic jaundice the main concerning problem is LIVER FAILURE or DYING RED BLOOD CELLS, not elevated bilirubin levels. (*)

In BABIES, jaundice is usually caused by immature liver cells not being able to properly process the huge amounts of bilirubin that come their way. The baby's liver will eventually grow into its role, but in the mean time, the HIGH LEVELS OF UNCONJUGATED (not processed by liver) BILIRUBIN are what's really dangerous.

That's because babies also have an immature hemato-encephalic (blood-brain) barrier. The unconjugated bilirubin crosses into the neural tissue and causes damage (look up "kernicterus"). The goal of phototherapy is to reduce the bilirubin levels (by converting it to a soluble form, ready for excretion from the body) and thus prevent harm to the brain.

Elevated bilirubin in adults is more or less harmless, so therapy should be directed at removing the cause of the jaundice (usually something serious): there's no point in sticking the patient under a lamp just to make him look less yellow.

(However, if you really wanted to do that, I suspect it wouldn't be as effective as with babies because adult bodies have a much smaller surface-to-volume ratio and phototherapy is done by illuminating the surface of a patient's body.)

* PS There's also a third class of jaundice, called obstructive jaundice. Ducts leading bile from the liver become clogged. However, in this type, it's conjugated (already processed) bilirubin that builds up in the blood so I didn't mention it earlier. I'm not even sure if phototherapy would work on this type of bilirubin...?

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why doctors are not applying phototherapy in adult jaundice?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

How to treat adult jaundice patient?

An adult jaundice patient will be treated with a special diet and also with light therapy.


What doctors in milledeville georgia performs adult circumcisions?

General or plastic surgeons


Do minors have to be accompanied by an adult for a doctors appointment?

Yes. The doctor would not treat the child without a parent (or adult designee) present.


When you're an adult can your family or the doctors force you to have your booster shot every ten years?

No. It's your life and you're an adult. Make your own decisions.


Why can you not just use stem cells from adult bone marrow?

Doctors can and do use stem cells from adult bone marrow but they have to be an exact match to the recipient.


What are the advantages for an adult to obtain a GED?

One of the advantages for an adult to obain a GED is that is necessary to have a GED to be accepted into a technical college. It is also a requirement of many employers to have a GED before applying for a job.


Can minors invest in the stock market?

Yes - Under the supervision of an adult. You may need an adult to be a co-applicant while applying for the trading account and hence they are responsible for proper usage of that account.


Why would newborn babies be exposed to sunshine?

0-6 months: Infants under 6 months of age should be kept out of the sun. Their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen. An infant's skin possesses little melanin, the pigment that gives colour to skin, hair and eyes and provides some sun protection. Therefore, babies are especially susceptible to the sun's damaging effects.So it isn't really safe but, only some people do it but, there isn't a clear reason why.HERE IS ANOTHER ANSWER:A common condition for newborns is jaundice (yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes). Jaundice occurs when the baby produces more bilirubin than the liver can process. Bilirubin is a by product of normal breakdown of red blood cells. The three most common reasons for excess bilirubin are excess production of bilirubin due to the baby's normally higher than adult turn over of red blood cells, immature liver that cannot keep up with normal bilirubin production, or reabsorption of bilirubin by the intestines. the most common treatment of jaundice is phototherapy, the exposure of the child to special lighting that helps alter the by product to make it easier for the child's liver to process it. Some pediatricians may suggest the exposure of the child to brief periods of natural daylight if bilirubin levels are below 15-25mg.


Who won Gonzales v Oregon?

The Supreme Court ruled that it was OK for doctors to follow state law to allow doctors to prescribe a lethal dose of medication to a competent adult, with the stipulation that two doctors agreed the patient to be within six months of dying from an incurable condition.


What doctors in Arizona perform circumcision?

For a baby: Most pediatricians or OB/GYNs can perform a circumcision. For and adult: A urologist is the doctor to consult.


Should an adult with jaundice go out into the sun?

Check with your doctor and follow their advice. Light may help in combination with other treatments. However, you should be cautious with sunlight since other medications may cause you to sunburn more easily.


Can a parent give money to an adult child before they sign up for Medicaid?

If the adult son is the one applying for Medicaid, money received from the parents prior to the application will likely have no effect on his eligibility. If the parent is the one applying for Medicaid and is a nursing home resident, please be advised that the Medicaid agency will investigate any transfer of assets by the parent, including gifts, that occurred in the 60 months prior to applying for Medicaid. The parent may be penalized for transferring assets without receiving "fair market value."