Newborn jaundice is a common and mostly harmless condition of the newborn period, caused by the presence of a pigment called bilirubin in the baby's blood and tissues. It is not contagious. Whether it occurs, or how severe it is, is not related to diet, infection or hepatitis. Why do newborns get jaundice? Jaundice is caused by changes that take place in the first few days of life as the baby adapts to life outside the womb. Newborn jaundice usually goes away by itself.
However, if it is not treated and rises above a certain level, which differs for each baby, or if it is due to an underlying disease, it can cause brain damage in the baby.
How is jaundice in newborns treated? The aim of treatment is to stop bilirubin reaching a level that causes brain damage in the baby. The length of treatment is different for each baby and depends on factors such as the baby's age, the baby's weight, the length of the pregnancy, the blood groups of mother and baby, and whether the baby was born at term or premature. Phototherapy (light treatment) is used to treat jaundice.
The lamps used in this treatment are different from ordinary fluorescent lamps. Because the eyes and the genital area are sensitive, these areas must be covered during phototherapy.
During treatment, blood tests must be taken from the baby regularly. Although this is not pleasant, it is necessary so that the doctor can make the right decision about how long the treatment should last. During treatment, the baby's jaundice level is checked at different intervals.
Other tests may be needed. When the jaundice has fallen to a safe level, phototherapy is stopped, and a few hours later a sample is taken again to make sure the jaundice has not risen. Sometimes some babies need IV fluids, special medicines or antibiotics. In some cases an exchange transfusion may be needed; the doctor decides whether it is necessary.
Advice to follow during phototherapy: do not give the baby things such as taranjabin (manna), formula milk and the like; the mother's diet has no effect on reducing the baby's jaundice; light shining on the baby's skin reduces the jaundice, so during treatment change the baby's position so that the light reaches every part of the body.
During treatment the baby may seem a little drowsy or have loose stools, which is usually not important. How long the treatment and the baby's stay in hospital last depends on the test results and the treating doctor's opinion. Follow the advice given after discharge (for a follow-up visit within the next 24 to 48 hours).
Prepared by: Azam Tirafkan – Education Unit
Document code: NO-BR-43