Jaundice in New Born - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Jaundice can also be termed hyperbilirubinemia or icterus, a disease caused by increased levels of bilirubin leading to yellowish discoloration of skin, sclera, and mucosa. Jaundice in newborns can be treated by a pediatrician; Skedoc will help you find the best pediatrician in hyderabad.

Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced due to the breakdown of red blood cells (RBC). In a baby, the mother’s liver removes the bilirubin when it is in the womb. After birth, the baby’s liver functions to get rid of the bilirubin.

Due to an underdeveloped liver, a baby’s liver may not be able to get rid of the excess bilirubin, leading to its build-up. The excess bilirubin build-up may cause the skin and sclera of the baby to look yellow.

SYMPTOMS OF JAUNDICE

The first symptom seen in the newborn with jaundice is the yellowish look of the skin, which is seen in the face at the beginning. The skin discoloration is best appreciated in natural lighting.

You may gently press the skin on the forehead and observe for the yellow look to check for Jaundice in your baby. Yellow look in the sclera (white part of the eye) and the mucosa beneath the tongue of the baby. The yellow look can also be seen on the baby’s chest, belly (abdomen), arms, and legs on increased bilirubin levels.

Skin discoloration cannot be appreciated in dark-skinned babies, but the yellow look can be observed in the sclera and beneath the tongue.

DIAGNOSIS OF JAUNDICE

Tests to detect Physiological Jaundice:

1. Physical examination: The doctor can diagnose Jaundice in newborns based on the baby's appearance.

2. Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer (TcB): It is a skin test that checks bilirubin levels by placing a probe on the forehead of the baby. The probe measures the bilirubin level by reflecting a special light thrown through the skin.

3. Blood Test: The baby’s blood is examined to check Total Serum Bilirubin (TSB) and determine the treatment course.

Tests to detect Pathological Jaundice:

1. Complete blood count (CBC), blood type (ABO), Rh incompatibility, and Urine examination are done to determine Jaundice due to the underlying condition.

2. Coombs test: The test was done to check for antibodies showing a high hemolysis risk.

TREATMENT OF JAUNDICE

Mild levels of Jaundice in newborns do not need treatment as liver development continues, and the condition resolves on its own within one or two weeks. During this period, feeding the baby more frequently may be advised, which may increase bowel movements and help eliminate the excess bilirubin in the baby’s body. You can book a doctor's appointment online with the top pediatrician near you.

Moderate to severe Jaundice in Newborns may need hospitalization with the following:

1. Phototherapy: The baby is undressed and placed under a special light that emits light in the blue-green spectrum, wearing only a diaper and mask for eye protection. Through phototherapy, the structure of bilirubin molecules is modified to facilitate the elimination of bilirubin through urine and stool. This treatment may be supplemented by a light-emitting blanket from beneath.

2. Immunoglobulin (IVIg) transfusion: The procedure works for different blood types in the mother and baby where immunoglobulin transfer is done.

3. Exchange transfusion: Rarely babies do not respond to other procedures and may need an exchange transfusion where to dilute bilirubin and maternal antibodies, small amounts of the baby’s blood are replaced with the donor’s blood.