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Jaundice is the name given to the yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes by bilirubin that occurs in about 50 - 80 % of newborn babies (depending whether term or preterm respectively).
It usually only lasts for about 10 to 14 days and no treatment is required.
It usually only lasts for about 10 to 14 days and no treatment is required.
Most of the cases are not serious and are basically due to immature liver function. Some are the result of disease causing excess breakdown (haemolysis) of the baby’s red blood cells such as “haemolytic disease of the newborn”. Another, fortunately rare, reason is hepatitis caused by either a viral or bacterial infection.
It is also known as hyperbilirubinaemia.
It is not so much the jaundice but rather the reason for the jaundice that is important.
