Pbototherapy in ABO newborn infa n t hemolytic disease of the

Phototherapy for ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn infant usually reduces or prevents a further rise in serum bilirubin levels. In light-treated infants, peak bilirubin concentrations do not occur after the third day of life and exceed 20 rag. per cent in only 10 per cent of the infants. Phototherapy is not indicated for infants with ABO disease of mild onset and severity. In severely affected infants, a trial period of phototherapy is justified but must not exclude consideration of exchange transfusion for control of rapidly rising serum bilirubin levels.