When Is Jaundice in Babies Dangerous?

• 2 weeks ago

When Is Jaundice in Babies Dangerous?

What Is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes caused by elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. In newborns, the liver is often immature and cannot process bilirubin quickly enough, causing it to build up.

How Common Is Jaundice in Newborns?

• Full-term babies: up to 60% experience jaundice
• Premature babies: over 80%

Mild to moderate jaundice within the first week of life is typically considered physiological and harmless.

Physiological vs. Pathological Jaundice

When Is Jaundice Dangerous?

1. Jaundice Appears in the First 24 Hours

This often indicates blood group incompatibility (Rh or ABO) or birth trauma-related hemolysis, and may require urgent treatment.

2. Jaundice Is Progressively Spreading

If the yellowing spreads from the face to the chest, abdomen, legs, and palms or soles, bilirubin levels may be dangerously high.

3. Baby Shows Lethargy or Feeding Problems

High bilirubin can affect the brain, leading to kernicterus, a type of permanent neurological damage.

4. Prolonged Jaundice (>14 Days)

This may suggest breast milk jaundice or biliary obstruction. Even if the baby looks well, further evaluation is needed.

5. Dark Urine and Pale Stools

Dark “tea-colored” urine and chalky-white stools can signal liver or bile duct disease, requiring urgent medical attention.

Common Causes of Jaundice

• Physiological jaundice (immature liver)
• Blood type incompatibility (Rh, ABO)
• Prematurity
• Birth trauma (bruising, internal bleeding)
• Breast milk jaundice
• Infections (e.g., sepsis, urinary tract infection)
• Liver and bile duct disorders (e.g., biliary atresia)

How Is Jaundice Diagnosed and Monitored?

• Bilirubin levels measured via skin device or blood test
• Nomogram charts used to assess levels based on baby’s age
• Daily follow-ups may be needed to monitor trends

Treatment Options

1. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Blue spectrum light breaks down bilirubin in the skin. It’s non-invasive, safe, and widely used.

2. Exchange Transfusion

In severe cases, the baby’s blood is replaced with donor blood to rapidly reduce bilirubin. Rarely required.

3. Continue Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding promotes bilirubin excretion through the intestines and should not be stopped unless advised by a doctor.

At-Home Monitoring Tips

• Watch the spread of yellowing (Is it just the face, or also on legs and palms?)
• Observe urine and stool color
• Monitor feeding and weight gain
• If the baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and has soft stools and normal urine, mild jaundice is often not concerning.