ABSTRACT
Jaundice is the most common condition that may require medical attention in newborns: 60% term and 80% pre-term babies will develop jaundice. Jaundice is the result of the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin which leads to yellow coloration of the skin and mucous membranes. Neonatal jaundice develops as a result of the breakdown of the excess fetal red blood cells, no longer required after birth, into haem and globin. At birth the liver is immature and intestinal function is decreased until feeding is established. The degree of jaundice can also be affected by gestational age and also by the degree of trauma suffered at birth. This chapter describes signs and symptoms of neonatal jaundice as well as assessment and management of neonatal jaundice. Phototherapy are commenced when blood serum levels of bilirubin are high.
