Welcome to Newborn Tips, in today’s article we will talk about jaundice in newborns, a common phenomenon that occurs in the first days of life of infants.
Continue reading to the end to find out what jaundice in newborns is, how many types there are, what symptoms this condition entails, how to perform the diagnosis, duration, treatment and prevention available. Happy reading!
Table of contents
What is neonatal jaundice?
It is estimated that approximately 60% of full-term newborns and 80% of premature newborns develop some form of jaundice. The main characteristic is a yellowish coloration of the newborn’s skin and eyes, caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood.
With reference to bilirubin, it is a yellow substance produced by the degradation of red blood cells. Since the liver in newborns is not yet fully mature, it may have difficulty eliminating bilirubin quickly, causing its accumulation.
How Many Types of Jaundice Are There?
Jaundice in newborns can be classified into different types, based on the cause and how it appears. Here are the main categories:
1) Physiological jaundice
This is the most common and normal form in newborns. It occurs due to the immaturity of the liver, which is unable to eliminate bilirubin effectively.
Characteristics:
- Appears between the 2nd and 4th day of life
- Resolves spontaneously within 7-10 days (up to 2 weeks in preterm infants)
- In most cases, it is not very serious
2) Pathological jaundice
Associated with underlying diseases or conditions.
Characteristics:
- Appears within the first 24 hours of life or persists beyond 2 weeks
- Very high bilirubin levels, requiring treatment
Common causes:
- Blood group incompatibility (ABO or Rh)
- Neonatal infections
- Internal bleeding
- Enzyme deficiencies (e.g., G6PD deficiency)
- Liver disease
3) Breast milk jaundice
Some components of breast milk can temporarily interfere with the elimination of bilirubin.
Characteristics:
- It appears after the 5th-7th day of life and can last up to 3-4 weeks
- The newborn appears healthy and grows normally
- It is not necessary to stop breastfeeding
4) Jaundice from insufficient breastfeeding
Due to an insufficient supply of breast milk in the first days of life, resulting in dehydration and reduced elimination of bilirubin.
This condition is resolved by improving the newborn’s feeding
5) Hemolytic jaundice
Due to the accelerated destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).
Characteristics:
- Rh or ABO incompatibility
- Anemia and rapid increase in bilirubin
6) Jaundice from hepatic or metabolic causes
Attributable to hepatic or metabolic diseases that interfere with the metabolization of bilirubin.
Common causes:
- Biliary atresia (blockage of the bile ducts)
- Neonatal hepatitis
- Metabolic diseases (such as galactosemia)
For this reason, each type of jaundice requires a specific evaluation to determine its cause and severity. While physiologic jaundice is benign, pathological forms may require prompt medical intervention.
Newborns Jaundice Symptoms
As mentioned above, the main sign of jaundice is yellowing of the skin and eyes.
In the worst cases of jaundice, other symptoms may appear, such as:
1) Yellowing of the skin and eyes:
It usually starts on the face and spreads to the chest, abdomen, legs, and feet, as the newborn’s bilirubin levels increase.
2) Excessive sleepiness:
The newborn may appear sleepier or difficult to wake.
3) Difficulty feeding:
He may be less interested in sucking or feeding.
4) Dark urine:
Usually, newborn urine is colorless, but with jaundice, it may appear darker.
5) Pale or pale stool:
Stool in newborns may appear lighter or even white in severe cases, which indicates a liver problem.
How is Jaundice Diagnosed?
Neonatal jaundice is diagnosed by a physical exam and measuring bilirubin levels in the blood or with a skin bilirubinometer.
Doctors will then also evaluate any risk factors to identify whether it is physiological or pathological jaundice.
Complications of Neonatal Jaundice
If left untreated, severe neonatal jaundice can cause a rare but dangerous condition called kernicterus, which causes damage to the central nervous system.
Therefore, it is essential to carefully monitor newborns with high bilirubin levels.
How to Reduce Jaundice in Newborns?
Although it is not always possible to prevent neonatal jaundice, early diagnosis and proper monitoring can reduce the risk of complications.
For the same reason, mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed frequently and to seek medical attention if they notice signs of neonatal jaundice.
In addition, to reduce neonatal jaundice levels, it is important to take measures that promote the elimination of excess bilirubin from the body. Here are some useful strategies:
1) Frequent breastfeeding
Why does it help? Frequent feeding stimulates bowel movements, promoting the elimination of bilirubin through stool.
What to do? Offering the breast or bottle every 2-3 hours helps prevent dehydration and promotes good intestinal transit.
2) Phototherapy
How does it work? Phototherapy uses special lights (often blue) to break down bilirubin into a form that the body can eliminate more easily.
When is it needed? This is the main treatment for moderate to high levels of jaundice. It should be done under medical supervision, in a hospital or sometimes at home with specialized equipment.
3) Exposure to natural light
Benefit: Moderate exposure to indirect sunlight can help reduce bilirubin.
How to do it? Place the baby near a window with sunlight (avoiding direct exposure to prevent sunburn) for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day.
4) Adequate hydration
A well-hydrated baby eliminates bilirubin more quickly. If you have difficulty breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend supplementing with formula.
5) Supplementing with formula (if necessary)
If you have breastfeeding jaundice (i.e., breast milk jaundice), you may be advised to temporarily supplement with formula. This does not mean stopping breastfeeding, just supporting it.
6) Specific Treatments for Severe Cases
Partial or Total Transfusion: In critical situations, such as severe pathological jaundice, your doctor may recommend a transfusion to quickly reduce bilirubin levels.
Newborns Jaundice and Medical Monitoring
It is essential that a pediatrician monitors your newborn’s bilirubin levels through specific tests. Do not try to treat jaundice without medical supervision, especially if your baby appears very yellow, lethargic, or refuses to feed.
With timely and targeted intervention, most newborns with jaundice recover completely within a few days or weeks.
How Long Does Jaundice Last in Newborns?
The duration of neonatal jaundice depends on its cause and severity.
Typically, it can last from a few days to several weeks depending on the different types of jaundice, which we discuss in the following lines:
- Physiological jaundice
It appears in the first 2-3 days of life, peaks around the 4th or 5th day, and tends to disappear within 1-2 weeks in full-term babies.
In premature babies: It can last longer, up to 2-3 weeks, as their liver is less developed.
2) Breast milk jaundice
It can last up to 3-12 weeks, but is usually harmless and does not require treatment unless the bilirubin levels are too high.
3) Pathological jaundice
The duration depends on the underlying cause (for example, infections, blood type incompatibility, or metabolic problems) and how quickly it is treated. With proper treatment, it can resolve in a few days.
When is Jaundice Dangerous?
In particular, it is important to consult a pediatrician if:
- Jaundice lasts more than 2 weeks in full-term newborns
- The yellow coloration worsens or also involves the arms and legs
- The newborn shows signs of excessive sleepiness, difficulty feeding or other symptoms
- In this way, with adequate monitoring and the right care, neonatal jaundice resolves completely in most cases without leaving consequences.
If you notice any of the symptoms of newborn jaundice, mentioned above, it is essential to contact the pediatrician or go to the hospital.
Furthermore, it is necessary to monitor the color of the newborn, regularly observing the skin and eyes, especially in the first days of the newborn’s life.
To conclude, dear friends of Newborn Tips, the condition of newborn jaundice is mostly common and generally benign, but requires attention to ensure the well-being of the newborn. So with the right medical support, most babies recover completely without long-term consequences.
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Newborn Tips, The Editorial Team
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