Neonatal jaundice, or hyperbilirubinemia, is a common condition in newborns where their skin and the whites of their eyes turn yellow. This happens because there’s too much bilirubin, a yellow pigment from the breakdown of red blood cells, in their blood. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and gets rid of it through bile. However, since a newborn’s liver is still maturing, it might struggle with this process, leading to jaundice.
Usually, neonatal jaundice is harmless and goes away on its own or with simple treatments like phototherapy. But if it becomes severe or lasts too long, it can cause serious issues like kernicterus, which can damage the brain. That’s why it’s important to detect and manage it early to prevent complications 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 recover well.
In some cases, especially when jaundice is severe or doesn’t improve with phototherapy, doctors might use certain medications to lower bilirubin levels or treat underlying issues. Some of these drugs include phenobarbital, IVIG, UDCA, and folic acid. These treatments are usually guided by neonatal specialists to ensure the best outcomes for the baby.
