Full-term neonates undergoing phototherapy have different compositions in the urine than neonates not exposed to phototherapy. Since urine is an indicator of physiological functions, hormonal and metabolic imbalances, changes in the urine composition of newborns treated with phototherapy can predict serious complications that can occur during the newborn.
Phototherapy consists of highly intensified light approved by doctors to treat hyperbilirubinemia in full-term newborns. Exposure to powerful blue-green lights results in a temporary increase in skin oxidation and the effects it produces. Oxygen in ultraviolet light is thought to reduce the excess of toxic bilirubin accumulated by some newborns, preventing jaundice.
Changes in urine composition in neonates undergoing phototherapy are significant. These changes may contribute to imbalances in the newborn’s body, such as dehydration, minerals, urinary enzymes, and urinary urea nitrogen. Therefore, it is important for doctors to closely monitor the urine of newborns exposed to phototherapy to avoid any complications.
What are the changes caused by phototherapy in the urine of newborns?
The physiological changes produced by phototherapy can cause adverse reactions in newborns, even at term. Your urine composition is significantly altered when you undergo this therapy. Lower electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium), glucose dialysis pressure, blood urea nitrogen dialysis pressure, protein levels, urinary enzyme activity, acid-base balance, and alkalinity all change in the urine of neonates treated with phototherapy.
The changes result in an imbalance in electrolytes and ions, called renal tubular acidosis, resulting in a decrease in urine pH and a decrease in dialysis pressure. These changes may contribute to the development of certain conditions during the newborn. These conditions include dehydration, increased sodium reabsorption membrane, decreased absorption of calcium and magnesium, and increased excretion of calcium and magnesium.
An increase in urinary alkalinity has also been reported due to a decrease in the proportion of organic acids and other urinary acids. Acids are important for maintaining acid-base balance, and changes in acid-base concentration can lead to changes in the acid-base balance of the neonate. Acids are also essential for the absorption of proteins and minerals and their inefficient excretion can result in mineral imbalances.
The importance of monitoring urine composition in newborn children undergoing phototherapy
Increased urinary enzyme activity has also been reported in neonates undergoing phototherapy. This is defined as the ability of an enzyme in the urine to catalyze the transfer of nucleotides between cells. The activity of these enzymes increases as ultraviolet light is absorbed through the skin.
Although this increase sometimes provides benefits, it can also be harmful to neonates because excessive activity of these enzymes can lead to the destruction of lipids and proteins, which may be indispensable for normal neonatal development. In addition, increased urinary urea nitrogen concentrations have been reported in neonates treated with phototherapy and have been observed in all urine tests.
Urinary urea nitrogen is a waste product of the amino acid ornithine, which is also involved in the production of urates, a by-product of purine and serum phosphate. An increase in urinary urea nitrogen concentrations may lead to increased excretion of phosphorus, resulting in an imbalance in phosphate metabolism. This, in turn, can lead to health problems in the child, including hyperphosphatemia, hypocalcemia, and impaired kidney function.
Kalstein’s childhood bilirubin phototherapy units
Kalstein manufacturer’s units provide a safe way to supply light of the appropriate intensity to the youngest. These units use LED light and can be placed in places where the baby rests, such as bassinets and cribs. These devices are available for sale at the following links HERE and HERE. There you can check prices and see purchase options.
