JAUNDICE INFORMATION (DOWNLOAD PDF) 
Jaundice (yellow skin) is a common condition
of healthy full term babies and even
more common in sick or premature infants.
Bilirubin is the substance that causes the
yellow color. It is made by the body as red
blood cells break down and are used again
by the body. The newborn liver is not as
good at removing bilirubin from the blood
as it will be in several weeks. Bilirubin is
also reabsorbed from the intestine of babies
before it can be passed out in the stool. The
combination of these conditions, unique in newborns, makes jaundice a temporary occurrence in most babies.
Bilirubin levels are measured by a blood
test. Mild to moderate levels of jaundice are
not dangerous and do not require treatment.
The level at which jaundice becomes
concerning depends on the age and weight
of the infant, and if the baby has any other
medical conditions.
Phototherapy (bili-lights) may be used to
treat jaundice. The baby's eyes will be covered
while under phototherapy to protect
them from the lights. More frequent feeding
of the breast milk or formula may also be
recommended (feeding the baby extra water
does not help clear up jaundice). Blood tests
will be done to check on the bilirubin levels,
which generally decreases in the first day or
two of light treatment.
Rarely, the bilirubin level increases rapidly,
is too high, or does not respond to phototherapy
(usually some other condition is
present, like different blood types in mother
and baby). In these cases a special procedure
called an exchange blood transfusion
may be necessary to remove the excess
bilirubin and give the baby fresh blood. If
this is needed, your doctor will give you
more details.
After the bili-lights are stopped, the bilirubin
may go up slightly but usually not to
the previous level. If you think your baby
looks more yellow after discharge from the
hospital, discuss your concerns with your
baby's doctor.
Remember, jaundice is very common and
rarely dangerous. It usually is more of an
inconvenience than a problem.
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