Conditions A-Z l DetailJaundice in Newborns
Jaundice refers to a yellow discolouration of the skin and white part of the eyes. It is very common in newborn babies. It is caused by an excess of the chemical bilirubin in the blood.
Jaundice in newborns is also referred to as neonatal jaundice or hyperbilirubinemia.
Haemoglobin is a molecule found in red blood cells. It is responsible for carrying oxygen to all cells in the body. Bilirubin is a normal chemical by-product of the breakdown of haemoglobin.
The body does not actually need bilirubin. Usually it travels through the blood to the liver where it is converted so that it can be removed in the urine.
If a child or adult has too much bilirubin, they become jaundiced.
Most cases of jaundice in newborns do not require any treatment. The jaundice goes away itself, usually within a few days. Jaundiced babies usually require extra fluids.Sometimes babies are put under sunlamps in order to break down the excess bilirubin. It is important that your baby is checked out if they have jaundice, to ensure there is not some underlying problem or condition causing it.
Usually jaundice produces no long-terms effects in the baby.
In babies with physiological jaundice, usually no treatment is necessary and the jaundice gradually fades away.
Increased fluids. Increasing the frequency of feeds can help to bring down the level of bilirubin. Bottle-fed babies should be fed every 2 - 3 hours; breastfed babies should be fed every one and a half to two and a half hours. It is important to check baby's weight frequently.
Phototherapy (light therapy). If the baby's bilirubin level is above a certain level (this is checked by a blood test), phototherapy or light treatment may be recommended. Light of a certain wavelength (450nm) helps break down the bilirubin in the baby's skin. During treatment, a carefully controlled blue light from fluorescent tubes or special blue lamps is shone on the baby. A mask will be placed over the baby's eyes to protect them from the light. This treatment is usually done in hospital.