Neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice is usually noted clinically when serum bilirubin is >85.5 micromol/L (5 mg/dL). Occurs in 50% to 70% of term neonates. Most cases are physiological.

Jaundice in the first 24 hours of life is considered pathological.

Treatment for hyperbilirubinaemia may include phototherapy and if more severe, exchange transfusion.

The major complication of unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia is kernicterus.

Neonatal jaundice is the yellowing discoloration of the skin and sclera of a neonate, which is caused by increased levels of bilirubin in the blood. A neonate refers to an infant in the first 28 days of life.

This topic focuses on recognising and managing early neonatal jaundice, which is most commonly caused by unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia. While prolonged jaundice with conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia may present during this period, appropriate management depends on the pathological cause and detailed commentary is beyond the scope of this material.