Neonatal or newborn jaundice is a common occurrence. This happens due to the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Red Blood Cells are replenished constantly by the body. As old RBCs are broken down, a yellow pigment called bilirubin is released into the blood. The liver filters bilirubin and eliminates it through the urine and stools. However, in a newborn baby, this process does not happen smoothly, causing neonatal jaundice. The skin, eyes, and urine of the baby turn yellow, as it happens with anybody afflicted by jaundice.
There are 3 types of neonatal jaundice.
In all the above 3 types, the jaundice is mild or moderate with no cause for worry. These are expected, but the doctor will still order for the following tests to be done on the baby. Skin and blood tests are done to check for bilirubin levels, along with tests to determine Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood type and RH incompatibility. Coombs test may also be done to detect excessive breakdown of RBCs by the body. The doctors will be constantly monitoring the baby for 3 days before discharging. After discharge, parents and family must watch the baby closely for up to a month in case jaundice turns severe. This is seen as deepening of the yellow colour in the skin, eyes, and urine.
In some babies, this is precisely what happens. The jaundice turns severe in which case; there is excess bilirubin accumulation in the blood, the condition being called as hyperbilurubinemia. The child shows one or more of the following symptoms:
There can be several factors contributing to this. Some of them are:
So what kind or babies are at the risk of this condition?
The hyperbilirubinemia can cause 2 complications:
For mild or moderate jaundice, the best treatment and preventive measure is to ensure the baby is fed well. For the first week of the baby’s life, it must be fed mother’s milk every 1 and half hours. Infants on formula food must be fed every 2 and half hours.
For infants suffering from hyperbilirubinemia in the early stage, one or both of the following treatments may be provided:
Neonatal jaundice is a natural occurrence that happens with almost all babies. There is no cause for worry and the condition will go away soon. However, if the jaundice turns severe, or lasts longer than usual, it is cause for concern. The family should reach out to a reputed hospital immediately. Such hospitals have the best paediatricians on their rolls, some of whom are experts in liver disease. These doctors will design a course of treatment for quick recovery that will ensure the baby develops healthily and normally.
Please contact our 24×7 Dedicated Liver Helpline: Ph: +91 73736 53653 for immediate advice and queries related to liver disease and transplantation.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
Such a common problem! Thanks for the blog!
Such an elaborate blog explaining the complications, risk factors, and treatment options of jaundice in children..
Jaundice in new borns is indeed scary especially for new parents. Thanks for the blog since it helps.
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