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Jaundice in NewbornsUnderstanding Neonatal Jaundice and Bilirubin Levels
Jaundice is a common problem in newborns and can be easily fixed if treated right away. But untreated jaundice can lead to a dangerous disease called kernicterus.
Everybody creates a chemical called bilirubin in the body. Bilirubin is a waste product created by the liver when red blood cells break down. Some babies – particularly prenatals-- create more bilirubin than they can handle. This leads to jaundice. What Are the Symptoms of Jaundice?Common signs of neonatal jaundice include:
However, it is impossible to tell for sure whether an infant has jaundice or not, especially if the baby has darker skin. The one way to tell for sure is to get a bilirubin test. How Can a Newborn Be Tested for Jaundice?A safe, cheap heelstick test is all that is needed to determine a newborn’s biliribin levels. A heelstick is a quick prick to the baby’s heel; only a few drops of blood are needed. Medical professionals then check the blood’s bili levels against a chart called a bilirubin nomogram. The bilirubin test can be given before the newborn is discharged from the hospital, and/or at the first week checkup. What Happens if a Newborn Has Jaundice?Low levels of neonatal jaundice will often go away on their own. Higher levels must be treated right away. Both breastfeeding and Vitamin D (which is created by exposure to sunlight) help speed up the breakdown of bilirubin. Depending on the severity of the jaundice, doctors might recommend:
Breastfeeding can lead to jaundice because sometimes breastmilk stimulates a baby’s reuse of bilirubin. Few medical professionals will recommend that an infant stop breastfeeding, however. What is Kernicterus?Kernicterus is a brain injury caused by high levels of bilirubin building up in a baby’s brain. Kernicterus can cause permanent disabilities, such as cerebral palsy or loss of hearing. Untreated, it can even be fatal. Kernicterus is easy to avoid if infants are treated for jaundice right away. Can Kernicterus Be Cured?Kernicterus can be prevented, but it cannot yet be cured. Kernicterus will affect different children in different ways, but for most it will mean a lifetime of severe disability. That it why it is so important to treat jaundice before it becomes a major problem. How Concerned Should Someone Be If a Newborn Has Jaundice?Learning that an infant is sick can be very frightening. But as long as neonatal jaundice is treated, there is little need for worry. Most newborns not only make a full recovery in a few days or weeks, but they also enjoy the treatment: newborns love breastfeeding and being under the warm bili lights.
The copyright of the article Jaundice in Newborns in Infant & Toddler Health is owned by Estela Kennen. Permission to republish Jaundice in Newborns in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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