Newborn Jaundice |
| |
DESCRIPTION
|
|
Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. In newborns, it often shows up in the first 2 to 4 days. Jaundice appears when there is too much bilirubin (bill-e-RUE-bin) in the body. Bilirubin is a normal breakdown product of red blood cells. It is taken out of the bloodstream by the liver.
|
|
CAUSES
|
|
Over half of all newborns have a liver that is not yet working normally, allowing bilirubin to build up in the baby's skin and blood. It is not a serious problem. It usually disappears after 1 to 2 weeks, when the liver is older and working better.
|
|
CARE
|
|
With eyes covered, the baby is placed under lights. These ""phototherapy lights'' help to lower the amount of bilirubin in the baby's body. Time spent under the lights depends on the baby's blood bilirubin level, which is checked daily.
|
|
COMPLICATIONS
|
|
s The risks of serious problems with newborn jaundice are small if you follow your doctor's advice.
|
|