ABSTRACT
Jaundice is a common problem in the neonatal period. Phototherapy is, so far, the most effective and safe management of neonatal jaundice. Cytokines are proteins synthesized and secreted by T, B, and NK cells, and by the cells with which they interact. They have the ability to promote and facilitate differentiation and proliferation of the cells of the immune system. The aim of this work is to highlight the effect of phototherapy, if any, on certain types of Cytokines [IL - 1B, IL - 2r, IL- 6, IL - 8 and TNF -] in cases of neonatal jaundice. The results of this case controlled study revealed that the level of IL- 1B was below 5 pg/ml in all the studied sample, whereas, the level of IL- 2r was higher in infant exposed to phototherapy than the other group. The levels of IL - 6 and IL - 8 did not vary between the two groups. The level of TNF - was high in both groups compared to the start studied sample. We concluded that, phototherapy although it is a safe tool of management, yet, it has an effect on the immune system of the neonates through the impact on certain types of cytokines. So it is recommended that phototherapy should be applied to indicated cases only and for limited period to avoid known and unknown hazards untoward effects