Neonatal jaundice Article

Totapally, BR, Torbati, D. (2005). Neonatal jaundice . International pediatrics : the journal of the Miami Children's Hospital, 20(1), 47-54.

cited authors

  • Totapally, BR; Torbati, D

authors

abstract

  • Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin >5 mg/dl) is a normal postnatal phenomenon resulting from a transitional imbalance between the production and elimination of bilirubin. Although neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is common during the first week of life, few have significant underlying disease. Untreated newborn jaundice increases the risk of Kernict-erus, a preventable injury to the brain, with devastating neurological disabilities, including speech and hearing impairment. The basic mechanism of kernicterus and bilirubin encephalopathy are not completely understood. The challenge for the pediatrician is to detect and monitor the level of jaundice to prevent the total serum bilirubin (TSB) concentration from reaching dangerous levels. Copyright © 2005 Miami Children's Hospital.

publication date

  • March 1, 2005

published in

start page

  • 47

end page

  • 54

volume

  • 20

issue

  • 1