Health A-Z

Jaundice in newborns, also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, occurs when there is an excess of bilirubin in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes. Here's an overview of its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

1. Yellowing of the Skin and Eyes: The most noticeable symptom, typically starting from the face and progressing downward.
2. Pale Stool: Stool may appear pale or chalky due to the presence of excess bilirubin.
3. Dark Urine: Urine may be dark-colored due to the presence of excess bilirubin.
4. Lethargy: In severe cases, the baby may appear unusually tired or lethargic.
5. Poor Feeding: Jaundice can sometimes cause feeding difficulties, leading to inadequate intake and weight loss.

1. Phototherapy: This involves exposing the baby's skin to special lights (usually blue or white light) that help break down bilirubin into a form that can be excreted more easily by the body.
2. Frequent Feeding: Encouraging frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding can help increase bowel movements, aiding in the elimination of bilirubin.
3. Hydration: Ensuring adequate hydration is essential, especially if the baby is breastfeeding, to help flush out excess bilirubin.
4. Monitoring: Regular monitoring of bilirubin levels and overall clinical status is necessary to adjust treatment as needed and prevent complications such as kernicterus (severe bilirubin-induced brain damage).

1. Visual Assessment: Healthcare providers may visually assess the baby for signs of jaundice.
2. Bilirubin Measurement: This can be done using a non-invasive device called a transcutaneous bilirubinometer, which measures the bilirubin level through the skin. In some cases, a blood test may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of hyperbilirubinemia.
3. Underlying Causes: Additional tests may be performed to identify any underlying causes of neonatal jaundice, such as blood type incompatibility between the mother and baby, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, or other genetic conditions.