Neonatal Jaundice

Definition:

Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes in newborns due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood.

Types:

• Physiological Jaundice: Common, appears after 24 hrs, resolves in 1–2 weeks.
• Pathological Jaundice: Appears <24 hrs, may be due to hemolysis, infection, or liver disease.
• Breastfeeding Jaundice: Due to poor intake/dehydration.
• Breast milk Jaundice: Due to substances in breast milk affecting bilirubin breakdown.

Causes:

• Immature liver function
• Hemolytic diseases (e.g., Rh or ABO incompatibility)
• Infections (e.g., sepsis)
• G6PD deficiency

Signs:

• Yellow skin/sclera
• Poor feeding
• Lethargy (in severe cases)

Diagnosis:

• Total serum bilirubin (TSB)
• Coombs test (if hemolysis suspected)

Treatment:

• Phototherapy
• Exchange transfusion (for severe cases)
• Treat underlying cause

Complications (if untreated):

• Kernicterus (bilirubin encephalopathy)
• Brain damage
• Hearing loss
• Death