Jaundice
is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn
babies. Jaundice refers to the yellow colouration of the skin and the sclerae
(whites of the eyes) caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin and
mucous membranes. Jaundice is caused by a raised level of bilirubin in the body,
a condition known as hyper-bilirubinaemia (Patrick, 2014).
is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn
babies. Jaundice refers to the yellow colouration of the skin and the sclerae
(whites of the eyes) caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin and
mucous membranes. Jaundice is caused by a raised level of bilirubin in the body,
a condition known as hyper-bilirubinaemia (Patrick, 2014).
Approximately
60% of term (37 weeks or more) and 80% of preterm babies (before 38 weeks)
develop jaundice in the first week of life and about 10% of breastfed babies
are still jaundiced at 1 month of age. In most babies with jaundice, there is
no underlying disease and this early jaundice (termed physiological jaundice)
is generally harmless. But prolonged jaundice can be an indication of serious
liver disease that is jaundice persisting beyond the first 14 days (National
Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2014).
60% of term (37 weeks or more) and 80% of preterm babies (before 38 weeks)
develop jaundice in the first week of life and about 10% of breastfed babies
are still jaundiced at 1 month of age. In most babies with jaundice, there is
no underlying disease and this early jaundice (termed physiological jaundice)
is generally harmless. But prolonged jaundice can be an indication of serious
liver disease that is jaundice persisting beyond the first 14 days (National
Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2014).
Neonatal
jaundice is the yellowing of a newborn skin during the neonatal period which is
caused by an increase bilirubin level in the blood, due to immaturity of liver
function plus destruction of red cells. Neonatal jaundice appears between 2-5
days and clears by 2 weeks and is more common in premature infant (Segen’s
Medical Dictionary, 2012).
jaundice is the yellowing of a newborn skin during the neonatal period which is
caused by an increase bilirubin level in the blood, due to immaturity of liver
function plus destruction of red cells. Neonatal jaundice appears between 2-5
days and clears by 2 weeks and is more common in premature infant (Segen’s
Medical Dictionary, 2012).
Infant
jaundice usually occurs because a baby’s liver isn’t mature enough to get rid
of bilirubin in the blood stream. In some cases, an underlying disease may
cause jaundices. Normally, small amount of bilirubin are found in everyone’s
blood. It is formed and released into the blood stream when red blood cells are
broken down. It is then carried to the liver where it is processed and
eventually excreted from the body. When too much bilirubin is made, the excess
is discarded into the blood stream and deposited in tissues for temporary storage.
In the neonatal, however there is more bilirubin remains in the tissues. As the
excess bilirubin build up in the newborn, jaundice appears first in the face
and upper body and progress down wards toward the toes (Olds & Sally,
2004).
jaundice usually occurs because a baby’s liver isn’t mature enough to get rid
of bilirubin in the blood stream. In some cases, an underlying disease may
cause jaundices. Normally, small amount of bilirubin are found in everyone’s
blood. It is formed and released into the blood stream when red blood cells are
broken down. It is then carried to the liver where it is processed and
eventually excreted from the body. When too much bilirubin is made, the excess
is discarded into the blood stream and deposited in tissues for temporary storage.
In the neonatal, however there is more bilirubin remains in the tissues. As the
excess bilirubin build up in the newborn, jaundice appears first in the face
and upper body and progress down wards toward the toes (Olds & Sally,
2004).
The
baby’s urine may be darker instead of colourless, and their poo may be paler
than normal. Since many mothers and babies leave the hospital soon after
delivery, jaundice may not appear until babies are at home. It is important to
seek medical advice if signs of jaundice are noticed and see the doctor that
same day.
baby’s urine may be darker instead of colourless, and their poo may be paler
than normal. Since many mothers and babies leave the hospital soon after
delivery, jaundice may not appear until babies are at home. It is important to
seek medical advice if signs of jaundice are noticed and see the doctor that
same day.
