What is the mechanism by which phototherapy reduces hyperbilirubinemia in neonates?

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Multiple Choice

What is the mechanism by which phototherapy reduces hyperbilirubinemia in neonates?

Explanation:
Blue light drives a photochemical change in unconjugated bilirubin, turning it into water-soluble isomers such as lumirubin. These isomers can be excreted directly in bile and urine without needing the liver to conjugate bilirubin, so the serum level drops. This bypasses the immature conjugation pathway in newborns, making phototherapy effective even when hepatic conjugation is limited. It does not increase hepatic conjugation, reduce bilirubin production, or convert bilirubin into porphyrin.

Blue light drives a photochemical change in unconjugated bilirubin, turning it into water-soluble isomers such as lumirubin. These isomers can be excreted directly in bile and urine without needing the liver to conjugate bilirubin, so the serum level drops. This bypasses the immature conjugation pathway in newborns, making phototherapy effective even when hepatic conjugation is limited. It does not increase hepatic conjugation, reduce bilirubin production, or convert bilirubin into porphyrin.

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