Which condition may require phototherapy in newborns?

Phototherapy is commonly indicated for jaundice in newborns, particularly when bilirubin levels become elevated. Jaundice occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the bloodstream, resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells. Newborns are particularly susceptible to this condition due to their immature liver function, which may not effectively process bilirubin.

The use of phototherapy is a treatment that involves exposing the newborn’s skin to a specific wavelength of light, which helps to break down bilirubin into a form that can be more easily eliminated from the body. This therapy can be crucial in preventing bilirubin levels from rising to a point where they could potentially lead to more severe complications, such as kernicterus, which can result in neurological damage.

In contrast, respiratory distress, hypoglycemia, and congenital heart defects do not typically warrant treatment with phototherapy. Each of those conditions requires different management approaches based on the underlying issues affecting the newborn.