IS NEWBORN JAUNDICE DANGEROUS?

13/11/2020

Jaundice is a common condition that happens in around 25% to 30% of term newborns. This condition is more common in premature newborns. Mild jaundice is referred to as physiological jaundice which can progress and become pathological jaundice. Without early detection and treatment, pathological jaundice can lead to severe complications.

More information about jaundice in newborns is as below.

Causes of newborn jaundice

Jaundice is caused by bilirubin built up in the blood. Bilirubin is a substance produced when red blood cells are broken down and replaced by mature cells. Normally, the liver is in charge of processing bilirubin and discharging it from the blood through the intestinal tract.

In newborns, bilirubin is produced at a higher level than that in adults which results in physiological jaundice and will disappear within 2 weeks after birth.

Risk factors of newborn jaundice

In premature babies, the bilirubin discharging process is slower than that in term babies. Premature babies may eat less and poop less, therefore less bilirubin is discharged through stools.
Babies do not get enough breast milk or formula.
Babies whose blood type is not compatible with that of their mothers: A buildup of antibodies is developed which then destroys babies’ blood cells and causes a sudden rise of bilirubin.

Symptoms of newborn jaundice

The first sign of jaundice is a yellowing of a baby’s skin and eye. The yellowing can start within 2 to 4 days after birth on the face before spreading to the whole body. The yellowing can be easily detected if you press the skin with your finger. The yellowing reaches its peak within 3 to 7 days after birth.

How dangerous is newborn jaundice?

High bilirubin level can cause serious jaundice and lead to dangerous complications including:

Acute brain damage caused by bilirubin: Bilirubin is toxic to the brain. In severe jaundice cases, bilirubin can enter brain tissue and cause acute brain damage. Early treatment can effectively prevent complications. Symptoms of brain damage caused by bilirubin in babies include lethargy and difficulty in waking them up, screaming, lazy eating and fever.
Kernicterus: Kernicterus happens when brain damage is permanent. Kernicterus can lead to cerebral palsy, hearing loss and intellectual impairment.

Some notes for moms

In premature babies, the yellowing can start earlier and last longer than that in term babies. One way to prevent newborn jaundice is to let them get enough nutrition through breast milk. Feed your baby 8 to 12 times a day during the first month after birth.

In addition, keep an eye on your baby to see whether he or she has symptoms of severe jaundice such as lethargy, lazy eating, screaming, fever, seizure. Immediately visit medical facilities for timely treatment.

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