2. Neonatal Jaundice : Condition marked by
high levels of bilirubin in the blood
Yellowish discoloration of skin & mucous membrane
Bilirubin level >5mg/dl (85 µmol/L)
‘Cephalo – Caudal distribution’
Normal term neonates : 30% - 50%
3. 1. Physiological Jaundice
Appears within 2 – 3 days (>24hrs of age)
Most common due to immaturity of bilirubin UDGT activity
2. Pathologigal Jaundice
Appears within 24hrs
Common cause : ABO , Rh incompatibility & Sepsis
4. 1. Unconjugated – Lipid Soluble
Hemolytic Disease : ABO, Rh incompatibility
G-6-PD deficiency
Breast Milk Jaundice
High level results in Kernicterus
2. Conjugated – Water Soluble
Conjugated bilirubin >= 20% total bilirubin
DR Alfa ABC GoT Conjugated Hyperbilirubinemia due to sepsis
5. Blood Group O
Rh –ve mother
Previous sibling developed significant
hyperbilirubinemia
Infant of diabetic mother (IDM)
Preterm infants
6. For all jaundiced babies : CBC , ABO , RH , TSB , Direct
Bilirubin level
Infants with elevation of direct-reacting bilirubin : Urinalysis
& Urine Culture for sepsis.
Additional evaluation for Sepsis : CBC, CRP, Blood C/S
Jaundiced baby at or beyond 3 weeks : measurement of total
and direct or conjugated bilirubin to identify cholestasis
7. Phototharapy => Configurational Isomerization
Intensive Phototherapy recommended for higher risk
Bilirubin absorbs light best at 430 - 490 nm, but longer
wavelength penetrate skin better.
Skin is exposed as possible & that light is not too far from baby.
Exchange Transfusion => TSB rises despite of intensive
phototherapy.
IVIG => competitive inhibitor of antibodies that cause haemolysis
8. American Academy of Pediatrics,
Sub committee on Hyperbilirubinemia
Maisels MJ, Watchko JF, Treatment of
Jaundice in low birth weight infants.
Ip S , Chung M Kulig J et al. An evidence
based review of important issues concerning neonatal
hyperbilirubinemia. Pediatrics 20011,113(6)