How soon should a newborn's bilirubin levels be expected to decrease after starting phototherapy?

The expected timeframe for a newborn's bilirubin levels to begin decreasing after the initiation of phototherapy is typically within the range of 4 to 6 hours. Phototherapy is an effective treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, as it converts bilirubin into water-soluble forms that can be more easily excreted by the body.

After starting phototherapy, healthcare providers usually monitor bilirubin levels to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. A decrease in bilirubin levels within this timeframe indicates that the phototherapy is working as intended. Monitoring and adjusting the treatment based on bilirubin measurements are crucial for preventing potential complications associated with high bilirubin levels, such as kernicterus.

This timeframe for a decrease reflects clinical observations and can vary slightly from one infant to another, but the 4 to 6 hour window is well-established in practice as a guideline for expected treatment response.