ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines a case scenario on neonatal jaundice followed by a highly detailed explanation of the condition and its management, presenting the symptoms in a way that are likely to be encountered in general practice. The desire to avoid acute bilirubin encephalopathy underpins the management of neonatal jaundice. Bilirubin is the natural breakdown product of haem. A mild rise in unconjugated bilirubin levels is a normal physiological phenomenon resulting from increased red cell breakdown and immature liver function in the neonate. Jaundice becomes clinically apparent, usually on the second or third day of life, if the bilirubin level rises above 85 µmol/L. If the child develops signs and symptoms of acute bilirubin encephalopathy, it should be referred immediately for consideration of exchange transfusion. Raised bilirubin levels requiring treatment are likely to result in further investigations to rule out pathological causes of jaundice.
