Bili Lights
Alternate Names : Phototherapy
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Background
Bilirubin in the blood is normally converted by the liver to a easily excretable form. A newborn infant's liver can only convert a limited amount of bilirubin into this form. If blood levels of bilirubin become too high, the ability of the liver to convert it may be overwhelmed, leading to sustained high levels in the blood.
In this case, bilirubin can enter body tissues, producing the characteristic yellow eyes and yellow skin of jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia). Bilirubin also may enter brain tissue, where it can accumulate and cause permanent brain damage if levels become too high.
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