In severe cases, exchange transfusion is helpful.
An exchange transfusion requires that the patient's blood can be removed and replaced.
The exchange transfusion is done in cycles: each one usually lasts a few minutes.
After the exchange transfusion, catheters may be left in place in case the procedure needs to be repeated.
Chloramphenicol therapy is discontinued immediately; exchange transfusion may be required to remove the drug.
The treatment will consist of exchange transfusion, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis.
Prolonged jaundice that is resistant to photo therapy and/or exchange transfusions should prompt a search for secondary causes.
Levels above 25 milliliters usually indicate the need for an exchange transfusion, in which the infant's entire blood supply is replaced.
The procedure has made exchange transfusions, a much riskier treatment, necessary only in extreme cases.
Several treatment approaches have been used, including exchange transfusion, leukapheresis, and low-dose cytarabine.