By – Leima Geeteshwori Moirangthem
One of the most frequent clinical disorderseen in babies in their early year is neonatal jaundice. It is typified by a yellowish coloring of the skin, sclera, and mucous membranes as a result of elevated blood bilirubin level. Neonatal jaundice is often benign and self-limiting, but if it is not recognized and treated very on, it can occasionally develop into serious issues. Thus, to guarantee the newborn’s safety and wellbeing, early detection and suitable action are crucial.
Fig – a healthy infant
A yellow pigment called bilirubin is created when red blood cells break down. Due to the shorter lifespan of fetal red blood cells and increased red blood cell turnover, bilirubin generation is higher in newborns. Additionally, the neonate’s young liver is less effective at conjugating and eliminating bilirubin. Jaundice is the outcome of bilirubin building up in the bloodstream due to an imbalance between its production and removal.
The two main categories of neonatal jaundice are pathogenic and physiological. The most prevalent kind, physiological jaundice, usually manifests 24 hours after birth. For normal babies, it peaks between the third and fifth day of life; for preterm babies, it peaks a little later. This kind of jaundice normally goes away on its own in one to two weeks and is caused by normal physiological processes. On the other hand, pathological jaundice manifests during the first twenty-four hours of life, increases quickly, or lasts for a long time. It necessitates prompt medical care such as phototherapy
Neonatal jaundice is caused by a number of reasons. Due to the even more immature liver function of preterm newborns, prematurity is a significant risk factor. When bilirubin levels rise, neonatal jaundice manifests clinically as yellow discolouration that typically starts on the face and moves down to the chest, belly, and extremities. Serum bilirubin levels can be measured to confirm the severity of jaundice, which can also be evaluated visually. In severe situations, bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction may be indicated by symptoms like poor eating, lethargy, high-pitched wailing, hypotonia, or convulsions.
The etiology, severity, and age of the newborn all influence how neonatal jaundice is treated. Adequate nutrition and supervision are frequently sufficient treatments for mild physiological jaundice. The most popular treatment for moderate-to-severe jaundice is phototherapy. It functions by changing unconjugated bilirubin into forms that are soluble in water and can be eliminated without liver conjugation. Exchange transfusion may be necessary in extreme circumstances to quickly lower bilirubin levels .
Fig- 4 (four) days old newborn with jaundice
Early breastfeeding initiation, sufficient nutrition to encourage bilirubin excretion, identifying high-risk newborns, and routine screening prior to hospital discharge are all necessary to prevent neonatal jaundice. In order to guarantee prompt medical evaluation in the event that jaundice increases after discharge, parental education regarding warning signals and follow-up care is crucial.
Newborns frequently experience neonatal jaundice, which typically has a benign course but can turn fatal if severe and left untreated. Preventing problems requires early detection, appropriate monitoring, and prompt management. Neonatal jaundice can be effectively treated with the right nursing care, parental education, and medical management, guaranteeing the newborn’s healthy growth and development.
In newborns, there is a faster breakdown of red blood cells, which can lead to increased bilirubin levels and jaundice.Every mother wants her baby to be healthy and free from illness. A mother who has just given birth needs compassion, understanding, and emotional support—not criticism rooted in myths. The belief that wearing yellow causes neonatal jaundice is false and a baseless myth . Let us challenge and break this stereotype together and this myth must be eliminated.
(The author is Graduation, PG ( Peadiatric) – Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Designation – Principal, Department of Nursing, Mahatma Gandhi University)