Newborn jaundice explained

Newborn jaundice is a common condition, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), with around 60% of full-term infants and 80% of premature babies experiencing jaundice. It is a disease that causes a baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes to turn yellow. It happens when the blood has too much bilirubin, a yellow pigment made when red blood cells break down.

In newborns, the liver is still developing, and it may take some time for it to efficiently process and eliminate bilirubin from the body. As a result, bilirubin can accumulate, leading to the characteristic yellow discoloration of the skin.

Causes of newborn jaundice:

1. Physiological Jaundice: The most common cause of newborn jaundice is physiological jaundice. It occurs as a normal response to the baby’s adjustment after birth. Approximately 60% of full-term newborns and 80% of premature infants experience physiological jaundice.
2. Breast Milk Jaundice: Some breastfed babies may develop jaundice due to substances present in breast milk that can interfere with bilirubin metabolism. Breast milk jaundice typically appears after the first week of life and may last for several weeks.
3. Blood Group Incompatibility: When a baby’s blood type is incompatible with that of the mother, it can lead to an increased breakdown of red blood cells and subsequent elevation of bilirubin levels.
4. Infections: Certain infections, such as urinary tract infections or blood infections, can contribute to newborn jaundice.
5. Liver Disorders: Rarely, liver diseases or abnormalities in liver function can cause jaundice in newborns.

Symptoms:

The primary symptom of newborn jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and eyes. However, other signs may include:

1. Poor Feeding: Jaundiced babies may have difficulty feeding or exhibit reduced appetite.
2. Lethargy: Some infants with jaundice may appear more tired or sleepier than usual.
3. Dark Urine and Pale Stools: High levels of bilirubin can cause the urine to become dark-colored, while stools may appear pale or chalky.

Risks:

1. Kernicterus: Rarely, severe jaundice that goes untreated can result in kernicterus, a condition where bilirubin’s toxic effects cause brain damage. Although kernicterus is rare, it can result in long-term neurological complications.
2. Underlying Conditions: Pathological jaundice, which occurs due to underlying medical conditions, requires thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. A timely diagnosis is crucial for managing these conditions effectively.

Treatment Options:

In most cases, newborn jaundice does not require treatment and resolves on its own. However, if bilirubin levels are high or continue to rise, treatment options may include:

1. Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a commonly used and effective treatment for jaundice. The baby is exposed to special lights that help break down bilirubin in the skin. Phototherapy can be administered through overhead lights or portable devices, and it does not cause any pain or discomfort to the baby.
2. Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases or when other treatments are ineffective, an exchange transfusion may be recommended. This procedure involves replacing the baby’s blood with healthy donor blood to reduce bilirubin levels. Exchange transfusion is a more invasive treatment and is typically reserved for severe cases.

Most cases of jaundice get better on their own without medicine. But it’s important to keep an eye on jaundice levels and talk to a doctor in case you need to act quickly. By staying informed and getting help from a professional, parents can handle newborn jaundice with confidence and make sure their babies are healthy.