OverviewInfant jaundice is yellow discoloration of a newborn baby's skin and eyes. Infant jaundice occurs because the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin), a yellow pigment of red blood cells. Show
Infant jaundice is a common condition, particularly in babies born before 38 weeks' gestation (preterm babies) and some breast-fed babies. Infant jaundice usually occurs because a baby's liver isn't mature enough to get rid of bilirubin in the bloodstream. In some babies, an underlying disease may cause infant jaundice. Most infants born between 35 weeks' gestation and full term need no treatment for jaundice. Rarely, an unusually high blood level of bilirubin can place a newborn at risk of brain damage, particularly in the presence of certain risk factors for severe jaundice. SymptomsYellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes — the main sign of infant jaundice — usually appears between the second and fourth day after birth. To check for infant jaundice, press gently on your baby's forehead or nose. If the skin looks yellow where you pressed, it's likely your baby has mild jaundice. If your baby doesn't have jaundice, the skin color should simply look slightly lighter than its normal color for a moment. Examine your baby in good lighting conditions, preferably in natural daylight. When to see a doctorMost hospitals have a policy of examining babies for jaundice before discharge. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns be examined for jaundice during routine medical checks and at least every eight to 12 hours while in the hospital. Your baby should be examined for jaundice between the third and seventh day after birth, when bilirubin levels usually peak. If your baby is discharged earlier than 72 hours after birth, make a follow-up appointment to look for jaundice within two days of discharge. The following signs or symptoms may indicate severe jaundice or complications from excess bilirubin. Call your doctor if:
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Risk factorsMajor risk factors for jaundice, particularly severe jaundice that can cause complications, include:
ComplicationsHigh levels of bilirubin that cause severe jaundice can result in serious complications if not treated. Acute bilirubin encephalopathyBilirubin is toxic to cells of the brain. If a baby has severe jaundice, there's a risk of bilirubin passing into the brain, a condition called acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Prompt treatment may prevent significant lasting damage. Signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy in a baby with jaundice include:
KernicterusKernicterus is the syndrome that occurs if acute bilirubin encephalopathy causes permanent damage to the brain. Kernicterus may result in:
PreventionThe best preventive of infant jaundice is adequate feeding. Breast-fed infants should have eight to 12 feedings a day for the first several days of life. Formula-fed infants usually should have 1 to 2 ounces (about 30 to 60 milliliters) of formula every two to three hours for the first week. Jan. 06, 2022 Which conditions are risk factors that may place infants at a higher risk for developing jaundice?Major risk factors for jaundice, particularly severe jaundice that can cause complications, include:. Premature birth. A baby born before 38 weeks of gestation may not be able to process bilirubin as quickly as full-term babies do. ... . Significant bruising during birth. ... . Blood type. ... . Breast-feeding. ... . Which factor contributes to the development of physiological jaundice in a newborn?Jaundice in babies
Jaundice is common in newborn babies because babies have a high number of red blood cells in their blood, which are broken down and replaced frequently. A newborn baby's liver is not fully developed, so it's less effective at processing the bilirubin and removing it from the blood.
What factors are responsible for newborn at risk?Environmental factors that can affect the infant's risk status following birth include the quality of attachment between parent and infant, the availability of well-baby or hospital-based health care, the socioeconomic status of the family, and the adequacy of the family support network.
Which factors could increase the risk of overheating in a newborn select all that apply?Answer: a, c, & d RATIONALE: Limited sweating ability, a crib that is too warm or one that is placed too close to a sunny window, and limited insulation are fac- tors that predispose a newborn to overheating.
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