Neonatal Jaundice: Causes and Risks

Study Notes

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns characterized by yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.
Affects approximately 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm infants.

Physiological jaundice: occurs in 50-60% of full-term infants, usually appears on day 2-3, and resolves by day 7-10.
Breast milk jaundice: associated with breastfeeding, may persist for several weeks.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (Rh incompatibility): rare, but severe, type of jaundice.
Other risk factors:
- Premature birth
- Family history of jaundice
- Polycythemia (excessive red blood cell production)
- Infections (e.g., UTIs, sepsis)

Yellow discoloration of:
- Skin (starts on face, progresses to trunk, arms, and legs)
- Sclera (whites of the eyes)
May be accompanied by:
- Lethargy
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting
- Dark urine

Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels: measure bilirubin levels in the blood.
Phototherapy: exposure to special lights that help break down bilirubin.
Exchange transfusion: rare, but may be necessary for severe cases.
Supportive care:
- Fluid and electrolyte management
- Monitoring for complications (e.g., kernicterus)

Kernicterus: rare, but serious, complication characterized by bilirubin-induced brain damage.
Hearing loss
Neurodevelopmental delays
Increased risk of mortality
In most cases, neonatal jaundice resolves spontaneously, with a good prognosis.

Neonatal jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.
It affects approximately 60% of full-term and 80% of preterm infants.

Physiological jaundice occurs in 50-60% of full-term infants, appearing on day 2-3 and resolving by day 7-10.
Breast milk jaundice is associated with breastfeeding and may persist for several weeks.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (Rh incompatibility) is a rare, but severe, type of jaundice.
Other risk factors include:
- Premature birth
- Family history of jaundice
- Polycythemia (excessive red blood cell production)
- Infections (e.g., UTIs, sepsis)

Yellow discoloration of the skin (starts on face, progresses to trunk, arms, and legs)
Yellow discoloration of the sclera (whites of the eyes)
May be accompanied by:
- Lethargy
- Poor feeding
- Vomiting
- Dark urine

Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels measure bilirubin levels in the blood.
Phototherapy involves exposure to special lights that help break down bilirubin.
Exchange transfusion is a rare, but necessary, treatment for severe cases.
Supportive care includes:
- Fluid and electrolyte management
- Monitoring for complications (e.g., kernicterus)

Kernicterus is a rare, but serious, complication characterized by bilirubin-induced brain damage.
Other potential complications include:
- Hearing loss
- Neurodevelopmental delays
- Increased risk of mortality
In most cases, neonatal jaundice resolves spontaneously, with a good prognosis.