Newborn Jaundice- Understanding Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Jaundice is a common condition in babies and adults, but it is a cause for more worry when diagnosed in babies. Jaundice at birth is also known as neonatal jaundice and is common in about 80% of newborns.

Jaundice is a common condition in babies and adults, but it is a cause for more worry when diagnosed in babies. Jaundice at birth is also known as neonatal jaundice and is common in about 80% of newborns. In most cases, newborn jaundice levels and symptoms are nominal and go away without treatment. However, in some cases, when the signs and symptoms are severe, medical aid is required. 

 

Dr. Promilla Butani, a well-known pediatrician in South Delhi talks about various levels of newborn jaundice. In this blog, she also talks about the signs, causes, and treatment of jaundice in newborns. Keep reading! 

 

What is Newborn Jaundice? 

 

The human body produces a yellow pigment known as bilirubin when it replaces old red blood cells with new ones. The liver helps remove this yellow pigment from the body via stools. Newborn jaundice is when the amount of bilirubin increases in the blood, turning the baby's skin and eyes yellow. 

 

This condition is common in infants because their liver does not remove bilirubin as efficiently as an adult's. In most cases, this is not serious and goes away without any medical treatment, but in some cases, when the newborn's jaundice level is high, a doctor's consultation is required. 

 

Causes of Jaundice in Newborn

 

Physiological or normal jaundice is common in healthy babies, as a baby’s body has more RBC, and the liver is inefficient enough. This type of jaundice is seen a few days after birth and disappears within a couple of weeks. The other causes of jaundice in newborns are: 

 

  • Premature Birth: The liver of premature babies is even weaker than the ones born at full term, making it difficult to remove bilirubin.

 

  • Breastfeeding: Breast Milk can increase the chances of newborn jaundice by preventing the liver from removing the bilirubin. However, the symptoms of this type of jaundice pass away quickly, and the doctor does not advise stopping breastfeeding, even in this condition. 

 

  • Different Blood Group: A baby whose blood group differs from the mothers is at high risk of developing jaundice. 

 

  • Genetic Problem: In some cases, the baby’s body produces fragile RBCs that break down easily, producing more bilirubin than normal. This results in jaundice. 

 

  • No Breast Milk: Breast Milk provides essential nutrients to the baby’s body to fight off diseases quickly. When the baby doesn’t get enough breast milk, it becomes difficult for the body to recover efficiently. 

 

Understanding the Symptoms 

 

The most common symptom of jaundice in newborns is the yellow color of the skin and eyes. As the baby’s skin is very thin, the color can also be seen on the soles of the feet and palms. The other signs of newborn jaundice are: 

 

  • The baby is always sleepy. 
  • The baby doesn’t feed as usual.
  • The color of poop and pee is yellow/orange.
  • The baby is not playful at all.
  • The baby’s body temperature is above 100°F (38°C).
  • The baby’s skin looks even yellower when pressed by the finger.

 

How to Diagnose Newborn Jaundice 

 

The doctor will diagnose the baby for jaundice within 72 hours of birth; however, the parents must closely observe for any signs of jaundice after getting home. If one sees symptoms of jaundice, the baby must be returned to the doctor. The doctor will then conduct a blood test to determine the bilirubin level in the blood. These total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels vary with the age of the newborn, which can be well understood in the table below. 



TSB Level

Infant’s Age 

10 mg+

Less than 24 hours

15 mg+

24 - 48 hours

18 mg+

48 - 72 hours

20 mg+

More than 72 hours

 

 

Newborn Jaundice Treatment

 

The treatment options for newborn jaundice may vary with the baby’s age, cause, and TSB level. Normal jaundice can go away without treatment, and bilirubin levels normalize naturally. The doctor can suggest the following treatment for severe symptoms or if TSB levels are high:

 

Phototherapy: Phototherapy is a light treatment where the baby is placed under a special type of blue light in an incubator. This light helps break down the bilirubin to remove it from the baby’s body easily. 

 

Exchange Transfusion: If the bilirubin levels are too high and do not lower with phototherapy, the blood transfusion method is used. It involves quickly replacing the baby’s blood with that of a donor to reduce the TSB level. 

 

Fluids: High fluid levels (breast milk/formula) can improve bowel movement, helping lower bilirubin levels in the baby’s blood.

 

Prevention Tips for Newborn Jaundice 

 

There are no written tips for preventing newborn jaundice. Some bilirubin level in an infant's blood is natural and cannot be prevented. The most a parent can do is to look out for the symptoms not to become severe. 

 

Feed the baby 8-12 times daily to prevent jaundice. This will ensure the baby is hydrated, improving bowel movement to pass bilirubin. 

 

To ensure the baby gets all nutrients, the mother should eat a healthy and balanced diet. 

 

Some studies also suggest that vitamin D helps lower TSB levels, and infants have low vitamin D levels in their bodies. Therefore, vitamin D supplements can help breastfeeding mothers lower the baby's bilirubin level. However, one must always consult the doctor before starting any medication or supplement. 

 

The bottom line is newborn jaundice is normal and can be cured easily. The key is to monitor the baby's symptoms carefully and consult the doctor if they worsen. Dr. Promilla Butani, the best pediatrician in South Delhi, treats babies with many years of knowledge and expertise in the field. To know more, pay a visit today!

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