Neonatal Jaundice

Neonatal jaundice or neonatal hyperbilirubinemia occurs as a result of elevated total serum bilirubin (TSB) and clinically manifests as yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclera (the white layer that covers the inner surface of the eye) and mucous membrane. This is a very common condition and is seen in about 2/3 of all healthy newborns. However, sometimes it may be a sign of feeding habits, level of hydration, or the lifespan of red blood cells (RBCs). Other rare causes can include metabolic disorders, malfunctioning of the glands, or liver disease. 

In most cases, jaundice is a mild, transient, and self-limiting condition and is referred to as "physiological jaundice." If it becomes more severe due to an underlying cause then it is called "pathological jaundice." Failure to diagnose and treat pathological jaundice may lead to the deposition of bilirubin in the brain tissues, known as kernicterus.

The treatment of choice depends on the severity of jaundice, the cause for the increase in bilirubin, or the type of bilirubin. It can vary from something as simple as increasing water intake and modifying the feeding to a very complex treatment depending on the cause.