Neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the white part of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby due to high bilirubin levels.^[1] Other symptoms may include excess sleepiness or poor feeding.^[1] Complications may include seizures, cerebral palsy, or Bilirubin encephalopathy.^[1]

In most of cases there is no specific underlying physiologic disorder.^[2] In other cases it results from red blood cell breakdown, liver disease, infection, hypothyroidism, or metabolic disorders (pathologic).^[2][1] A bilirubin level more than 34 μmol/L (2 mg/dL) may be visible.^[1] Concerns, in otherwise healthy babies, occur when levels are greater than 308 μmol/L (18 mg/dL), jaundice is noticed in the first day of life, there is a rapid rise in levels, jaundice lasts more than two weeks, or the baby appears unwell.^[1] In those with concerning findings further investigations to determine the underlying cause are recommended.^[1]

The need for treatment depends on bilirubin levels, the age of the child, and the underlying cause.^[1][3] Treatments may include more frequent feeding, phototherapy, or exchange transfusions.^[1] In those who are born early more aggressive treatment tends to be required.^[1] Physiologic jaundice generally lasts less than seven days.^[1] The condition affects over half of babies in the first week of life.^[1] Of babies that are born early about 80% are affected.^[2] Globally over 100,000 late-preterm and term babies die each year as a result of jaundice.^[4]