Epidemiology

Jaundice is the most common condition in newborns that requires medical attention. About 50% to 70% of term babies and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice in the first week of life.[2] Jaundice usually appears 2 to 4 days after birth and resolves 1 to 2 weeks later without the need for treatment.

The incidence of hyperbilirubinaemia varies. A study in the UK and Ireland showed an incidence of severe hyperbilirubinaemia (maximum unconjugated serum bilirubin ≥510 micromol/L [29.8 mg/dL]) of 7.1 in 100,000.[3] A study in Denmark showed an incidence of extreme hyperbilirubinaemia (492 micromol/L [28.8 mg/dL]) of 25 in 100,000.[4] In the US, severe hyperbilirubinaemia (total serum bilirubin >95th percentile) occurs in 8% to 9% of neonates during the first week; approximately 4% after 72 hours of life.[5] Incidence data for low and middle income countries vary.[6] The incidence of East Asians in a US Washington state population-based study was higher than that of white infants.[7] In studies in the US, a predominantly white and breastfed population in Michigan showed a 95th percentile total serum bilirubin level at 96 hours of life of 224.1 micromol/L (13.1 mg/dL).[8] In studies from Pennsylvania and Northern California, the 95th percentile was 299.3 (17.5 mg/dL).[1]​​[9]​​​​​​​​​​​ In a mixed population of neonates from the US, Hong Kong, Japan, and Israel, the 95th percentile was 265.1 micromol/L (15.5 mg/dL).[10] The risk for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is higher in males and increases progressively with decreasing gestational age.

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