How to Diagnose Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns that causes the skin and whites of the eyes to turn yellow. It is caused by a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down.
Most cases of neonatal jaundice are mild and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, severe jaundice can lead to complications such as kernicterus, which can cause permanent brain damage.
Causes of Neonatal Jaundice
The most common cause of neonatal jaundice is physiological jaundice. This type of jaundice occurs in up to 80% of newborns. It is caused by the baby's immature liver, which is not able to process bilirubin as quickly as an *** liver.
Other causes of neonatal jaundice include:
Breastfeeding jaundice. This type of jaundice occurs in some breastfed babies. It is caused by a substance in breast milk that can inhibit the liver's ability to process bilirubin.
Jaundice due to hemolysis. This type of jaundice occurs when red blood cells are broken down too quickly. This can be caused by a number of factors, such as Rh incompatibility, ABO incompatibility, and certain infections.
Jaundice due to liver disease. This type of jaundice is caused by an underlying liver problem. This can be a very serious condition, and it is important to seek medical attention if your baby has jaundice and other symptoms of liver disease, such as dark urine, light-colored stools, and vomiting.
Symptoms of Neonatal Jaundice
The most common symptom of neonatal jaundice is yellow skin and eyes. The yellowing usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Other symptoms of neonatal jaundice can include:
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Vomiting
Lethargy
Poor feeding
Diagnosis of Neonatal Jaundice
The diagnosis of neonatal jaundice is based on a physical examination and a blood test. The blood test will measure the level of bilirubin in your baby's blood.
Treatment of Neonatal Jaundice
Most cases of neonatal jaundice are mild and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, severe jaundice may require treatment.
Treatment options for neonatal jaundice include:
Phototherapy. This treatment involves exposing your baby to blue light. The blue light helps to break down bilirubin so that it can be removed from the body.
Exchange transfusion. This treatment involves replacing your baby's blood with donor blood. This is only necessary in severe cases of jaundice.
Complications of Neonatal Jaundice
Most cases of neonatal jaundice are mild and do not cause any complications. However, severe jaundice can lead to complications such as:
Kernicterus. This is a rare but serious condition that can occur when bilirubin levels in the blood become too high. Kernicterus can cause permanent brain damage.
Liver damage. Severe jaundice can also lead to liver damage. This can be a very serious condition, and it can be fatal if not treated.
Prevention of Neonatal Jaundice
There is no way to prevent physiological jaundice. However, you can reduce your baby's risk of developing other types of jaundice by:
Breastfeeding your baby. Breast milk contains substances that can help to prevent jaundice.
Avoiding giving your baby cow's milk. Cow's milk can increase the risk of developing jaundice.
Getting prenatal care. Prenatal care can help to identify and treat any underlying conditions that may increase your baby's risk of developing jaundice.
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