Jaundice can be a normal part of the neonatal period (certainly both of my kids looked like the Yellow M&M for a short period in their beginnings); however, hyperbilirubinemia also generates the concern for the development of kernicterus (abnormal accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the brain).
The AAP has a practice guideline (Management of hyperbilrubinemia in the newborn infant 35 or more weeks of gestation. Pediatrics 2004; 114:297-316. APP.) that aims to help us determine how to manage these patients and prevent complications. We have all seen the nomogram that we reference when determining whether a neonate needs phototherapy or exchange transfusion.
Physiologic jaundice in healthy, full-term newborns typically develops during the 2nd – 3rd day of life.
Physiologic jaundice in healthy, full-term newborns typically resolves by the 5th or 6th day.
Premature neonates are at greater risk! Also, the nomogram only pertains to those greater than 35 weeks gestational age.
The nomogram is based on TOTAL bilirubin (not fractionated bilirubin).
b. Unconjugated – SEPSIS, ABO incompatibility, hereditary spherocytosis, Gilbert’s syndrome, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, glucose-6-phosphate deficiency, breastfeeding vs. breast-milk.
Consider sepsis work-up as well. Remember that these neonates don’t do many things to show you that they are sick… hyperbilirubinemia may be the one red flag that they are able to raise.
This blog is very meaningful, Neonatal jaundice is the one of the main problem with neonates. This can occur when the baby is having higher level of bilirubin in the blood. The bilirubin is a yellowish substance which present in the blood, by replacing the old red blood cells. Ibis Medical is the one of the major manufacturer of the neonatal products which has worldwide distribution network.