Neonatal jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, is a common condition in newborns where the skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. This happens because of high levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and gets rid of it in bile. However, since a newborn’s liver is still maturing, it might struggle to handle bilirubin properly, leading to jaundice.
Neonatal jaundice is usually harmless and often goes away on its own or with simple treatments like phototherapy. But if it becomes severe or lasts too long, it can cause complications like kernicterus, which can harm the brain. That’s why it’s important to detect, monitor, and manage jaundice early to prevent any issues and keep the baby healthy.
Parents should learn to recognize the signs of jaundice and seek medical help if their baby’s skin or eyes stay yellow or get worse. With the right medical care, most babies with neonatal jaundice do well.
In some cases, especially when jaundice is severe or doesn’t improve with phototherapy, certain medications might be used to lower bilirubin levels or tackle underlying issues. Some common drugs used in treating neonatal jaundice include phenobarbital, IVIG, UDCA, and folic acid. These are typically used under the guidance of neonatal specialists to ensure the best outcomes for the baby.
