Neonatal jaundice is caused by bilirubin produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells after birth. A newborn's immature liver cannot always process it fast enough, causing the characteristic yellowing of the skin and eyes. In most babies it resolves with phototherapy, which uses light to break down bilirubin so it can be excreted. The reason close monitoring matters is that very high bilirubin levels can cause brain injury if left untreated. In premature babies, the threshold for treatment is lower than in term babies because their brains are more vulnerable. Bilirubin trends rather than single readings drive treatment decisions, and escalation to exchange transfusion is available if phototherapy is insufficient.
Written by Dr. Kabir Nanda, MD Paediatrics, Fellowship in Neonatology (NNF Accredited), Diploma in Pulmonology, Allergy and Immunology, Pediatrician, Neonatologist, Allergist and Immunologist, Sukhmani Hospital, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, and Westend Hospital, Tilak Nagar, New Delhi. Phone: +91 8076178418.
