By Dr. Hudson, Public Domain, Wikimedia
The birth of a new baby comes with a great deal of joy and fulfillment, but in some newborns, this joy is cut short by the presence of neonatal jaundice which creates concerns and anxiety in the parents.
What is Neonatal Jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is a condition characterized by yellowing of a newborn's skin and eyes. It occurs when a substance called bilirubin builds up in the baby's blood, causing yellowish discoloration. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells.
Normally, the liver helps process and excrete bilirubin from the body. However, in some newborns, the liver may take a few days to fully mature and handle the bilirubin efficiently, resulting in jaundice.
Neonatal jaundice is a temporary and generally harmless condition that affects many newborns. While most cases resolve on their own, medical intervention may be necessary in severe cases.
Causes of Neonatal Jaundice
There are various reasons why neonatal jaundice occurs:
1.Physiological Jaundice:
This is the most common type of neonatal jaundice. It usually appears within 2-3 days after birth and subsides within 1-2 weeks. Physiological jaundice occurs due to the normal breakdown of fetal red blood cells and the liver's temporary inability to remove bilirubin effectively. This is usually harmless.
By Martin Pot, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia
2.Breast Milk Jaundice:
Some breastfed babies may experience prolonged jaundice due to substances present in breast milk, which interfere with bilirubin elimination. This type of jaundice usually appears after the first week of life but gradually resolves without treatment.
3.Blood-Type Incompatibility:
In rare cases, when a baby's blood type is incompatible with their mother's, it can cause a condition called Rh or ABO incompatibility, leading to more severe jaundice. This will need medical attention to avoid the complications of jaundice which I will talk about later in this post.
4.Infections and Other Medical Conditions:
Certain infections, such as hepatitis or an underactive thyroid gland, can increase the risk of neonatal jaundice. Additionally, certain medical conditions affecting the liver or bile ducts can contribute to the accumulation of bilirubin.
Symptoms of neonatal jaundice
The primary symptom of neonatal jaundice that these babies usually come with is yellowing of the skin and eyes. In some severe cases, the yellowing can also affect the inside of the mouth and the palms of the hands. Other signs may include poor feeding, sleepiness, and dark urine.
Treatment of neonatal jaundice
Most cases of neonatal jaundice do not require treatment, as the condition often resolves on its own. However, for severe or prolonged jaundice, the following treatments are usually recommended;
1.Phototherapy:
This treatment involves placing the baby under special blue lights to help break down bilirubin in the skin. The baby's eyes will be protected with a mask. Phototherapy is safe and effective, allowing the baby's body to eliminate bilirubin more efficiently.
By Kaveri appala - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia
2.Exchange Transfusion:
In extreme cases, when other treatments haven't been effective, an exchange transfusion may be necessary. This involves replacing the baby's blood with fresh donor blood to remove the excess bilirubin from the body.
Within this week, we have had two babies who had this exchange blood transfusion due to excessive bilirubin in the blood (hyperbilirubinemia) and the outcome is usually very good.
Complications of neonatal jaundice
It is important to note that while neonatal jaundice is a common condition, complications are rare and usually occur when jaundice is left untreated or is severe. Let's take a look at a few of these complications:
1.Kernicterus:
Kernicterus is a rare but serious complication of neonatal jaundice. It occurs when excessive levels of bilirubin cross the barrier protecting the brain, leading to brain damage. Signs of kernicterus can include poor feeding, high-pitched crying, lethargy, and in severe cases, seizures. However, with proper medical care and monitoring, kernicterus is preventable, and early detection ensures prompt treatment.
2.Dehydration:
During jaundice, babies tend to have an increased tendency to lose fluids due to more frequent bowel movements. If dehydration occurs, it can worsen the symptoms of jaundice and put additional stress on the liver. It is important to ensure that the baby is adequately fed, and if needed, healthcare professionals may recommend increased breastfeeding or formula intake to prevent dehydration.
3.Poor Weight Gain:
Babies with severe jaundice may experience reduced appetite and inadequate nutrition intake due to discomfort or lethargy. This may lead to poor weight gain. Monitoring the baby's weight regularly and seeking advice from healthcare providers can help ensure appropriate nutritional support and address any potential weight-related concerns.
4.Infection:
While not directly caused by jaundice, newborns with elevated bilirubin levels may have an increased risk of infection. Factors that contribute to this risk include a weakened immune system, prolonged hospital stays, or associated underlying medical conditions. It is vital to practice good hygiene and promptly address any signs of infection, such as fever, lethargy, or changes in the baby's behavior or feeding patterns.
By Vtbijoy - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia
In conclusion, although rare and usually preventable, complications of neonatal jaundice exist. Kernicterus, dehydration, poor weight gain, and infection are among the potential complications. Parents must stay vigilant, seek medical advice, and ensure regular check-ups to prevent and address any complications that may arise.
Healthcare professionals are well-equipped to monitor the baby's progress, offer appropriate treatments when necessary, and alleviate any concerns you may have. Remember, early detection and timely medical intervention remain key in managing neonatal jaundice effectively.
Thanks for reading. Happy weekend to you all!
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