What is the outcome of neonatal jaundice?

The problem with unconjugated bilirubin is that if the levels are very high, especially when caused by haemolytic disease, it can penetrate into the brain and cause brain damage. This is known as “kernicterus”. It is rare because all at-risk babies are treated early with phototherapy and, in the unlikely event of that not reducing the TSB adequately, with an exchange transfusion.

Anaemia can be a problem in some babies following haemolytic jaundice and they may need one or two blood transfusions in the next few months until all the antibodies have been cleared.