- Jaundice causes yellowing of skin and eyes due to excess bilirubin in the blood
- Newborns have high risk due to more red cells and immature liver function
- Daily monitoring is crucial as bilirubin peaks between 3 to 5 days after birth
Jaundice is a condition characterised by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, caused by an excess of bilirubin, a substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. While jaundice can affect people of any age, newborns are typically at a higher risk. It affects about 60% of full-term babies and 80% of premature babies in their first week of life. Bilirubin normally passes through the liver and is excreted in bile, but when this process is disrupted, it can accumulate in the blood, resulting in jaundice.
Why is it common in newborns?
- High red blood cell count: Newborns have more red blood cells than adults, and these cells break down more quickly, releasing a surge of bilirubin.
- Immature liver: A newborn's liver is not yet fully developed and cannot process and remove bilirubin from the bloodstream as efficiently as an adult's liver.
- Transition from the womb: Before birth, the mother's liver removes bilirubin for the baby. After birth, it takes a few days for the baby's own liver to take over this function effectively.
"Although the condition is a normal occurrence in newborn babies and harmless, it is still important to keep track of it so that it is not elevated beyond a point at which it could have a possible impact on the nervous system," says Dr. Dhanalakshmi R, a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru.
Why is daily monitoring important?
Bilirubin levels typically peak between 3 and 5 days of age. Daily checks are critical because:
- Bilirubin levels can rise quickly to dangerous levels within hours.
- If left untreated, extremely high bilirubin can cross into the brain, causing kernicterus, a permanent condition that can lead to cerebral palsy, hearing loss, or intellectual disabilities.
- Frequent testing (often every 8-12 hours in the hospital) ensures that medical treatments like phototherapy can start before any damage occurs.
"The doctor must keep an eye on the patient for a period of one week since the patient's bilirubin level will be at its peak during the third or fifth day. The parents must make an appointment with their doctor two days after the baby is discharged from the hospital to confirm that their bilirubin level has dropped. The parents must keep an eye on their child's condition until the child is one month old, since the chances of seeing signs of the disease decrease after two weeks as the liver develops," Dr. Dhanalakshmi R notes.
Tips to prevent and recover quickly
While most cases are normal and can't be fully prevented, you can lower the risk and speed up recovery through these steps:
1. Frequent feedings:
- Breastfed babies: Feed 8 to 12 times a day for the first several days.
- Formula-fed babies: Feed 1 to 2 ounces every 2 to 3 hours.
Frequent feeding stimulates bowel movements, which is how the body physically poops out the bilirubin.
2. Indirect sunlight
Placing your baby near a well-lit window for short periods (10-15 minutes) may have mild benefits. Never put a newborn in direct outdoor sunlight, as their skin is highly sensitive and can burn easily.
3. Medical Treatments
For moderate cases, doctors use Phototherapy (special blue-green lights), which changes bilirubin into a form that can be easily excreted in urine and stool.
"During the initial days, it is essential to carefully look at the child's behaviour and physical condition under natural light for the yellowish tinge on the skin that progresses from the face downward to the chest and abdominal areas. The important signs that necessitate medical attention include an infant who is too sleepy or hard to wake for feedings or who seems not to be gaining weight properly. The best ways of managing the condition at home while awaiting the natural maturation of the liver include a strict feeding schedule and the presence of a satisfactory number of wet and soiled diapers," recommends Dr. Dhanalakshmi R.
(Dr. Dhanalakshmi R, a consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, HRBR Layout, Bengaluru)
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
