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A Comprehensive Review of Neonatal Jaundice Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management
A Comprehensive Review of Neonatal Jaundice Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management
AND
GIRIJANANDA CHOWDHURY INSTITUTE OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE,
GUWAHATI
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CERTIFICATE
VERIFIED BY
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CERTIFICATE
SUPERVISED BY
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DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the review work entitled “A
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE” is
a bonafide and review work carried out by me under the supervision
of Miss Salema Khatun, Assistant professor, Department of
Pharmacology, Girijananda Chowdhury Institute of
Pharmaceutical Science (GIPS), affiliated to ASTU, Guwahati,
Assam. The work embodied in this review work is original and has
not been submitted in part or full for the award of degree, diploma,
associateship or fellowship of any other university or institution.
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes
due to elevated bilirubin levels in newborns. This review examines the impact, treatments,
prevention strategies, and current literature surrounding neonatal jaundice. Neonatal jaundice
is a common condition characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated
bilirubin levels in newborns. This review examines the impact, treatments, prevention
strategies, and current literature surrounding neonatal jaundice.
By addressing these objectives, this review seeks to provide clinicians, researchers, and
policymakers with a comprehensive understanding of neonatal jaundice and inform strategies
for its prevention and management, ultimately improving the care and outcomes of newborns
affected by this common condition.
Table of content
List of tables
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Jaundice is a medical condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to high
levels of bilirubin in the blood. The term jaundice, derived from the French word jaune,
meaning yellow, is a yellowish discoloration of the skin, sclerae, and mucous membranes that
is caused by tissue deposition of pigmented bilirubin. Jaundice is also known as icterus, from
the ancient Greek word ikteros, signifying jaundice. Jaundice is a common clinical sign in
newborns, especially during the first 2 weeks after birth. The first description of neonatal
jaundice and bilirubin staining of the newborn brain goes back to the eighteenth century. The
finding of jaundice on physical examination is an indicator of hyperbilirubinemia. 1It is a
common clinical problem that can occur in individuals of all ages. Jaundice can be caused by
various factors, including liver disease, obstruction of the bile ducts, and certain medical
conditions. The presence of jaundice is often indicative of an underlying health issue, making
it important for healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and manage this condition.
Jaundice (neonatal icterus), known as yellowish baby is a condition where the yellowing of
the skin and sclera in newborns, due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood
(hyperbilirubinemia) which subsequently causes an increase in bilirubin in the fluid outside
the cell (extracellular fluid).2
bilirubin measurement. It is of concern that many total and direct bilirubin automated kit
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methods suffer from haemolysis interference, while use of in-house methods or modification
Midwives play a crucial role in the prevention and early detection of pathological jaundice
through health education to expectant mothers about dietary requirements and the
significance of exclusive breastfeeding. They are tasked with advising mothers on
recognizing jaundice symptoms and effective home care practices, such as adequate
breastfeeding and early morning sun exposure for the infant. Should these measures not yield
improvement, mothers are advised to seek professional healthcare services 4. Delayed
feeding significantly contributes to the development of jaundice by exacerbating
physiological jaundice's intensity, particularly in premature infants. Newborns whose
mothers have low milk production or are in intensive care and unable to provide colostrum
immediately post-birth accumulate excessive bilirubin, leading to jaundice. Colostrum is
known for its laxative properties, facilitating the expulsion of the newborn’s initial feces,
which contains excess bilirubin5. The community's perception of jaundice as a grave
condition is evident from mothers' inquiries about their newborns' health status regarding
jaundice, highlighting the anxiety and special care required for affected infants. Neonatal
jaundice is usually not harmful and a self-limiting condition; however, very high levels of
bilirubin may cause permanent brain damage, a condition called kernicterus.6
Neonatal jaundice, characterized by the yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to
elevated levels of bilirubin, has multifactorial etiology. Understanding the various factors
contributing to neonatal jaundice is essential for accurate diagnosis and management. The
etiology of neonatal jaundice can be broadly classified into physiological and pathological
causes. The mechanism of neonatal jaundice is the imbalance between bilirubin production
and conjugation, which results in increased bilirubin levels. 7 This imbalance is mainly
because of the immature liver of the neonate and the rapid breakdown of red blood cells,
which may be multifactorial8 9 10 11
. At bilirubin levels of between 85 µmol/L and 120
µmol/L, neonatal jaundice can be diagnosed clinically 1213 14. Kramer described the difficulty
of clinically diagnosing neonatal jaundice in darker pigmented neonates. 15 A study by Moyer
et al. found that the clinical diagnosis of neonatal jaundice is ‘neither reliable nor accurate’. 16
Neonatal jaundice is very common and is present in 60% of term babies and up to 80% of
premature babies.17181920 The main risk factors identified for neonatal jaundice include
prematurity and neonatal sepsis.21222324 In physiological jaundice, it is only the unconjugated
bilirubin levels that are raised, because of immaturity of the liver in the absence of any other
illness. In pathological jaundice, there are underlying conditions that either increase the
production of bilirubin or decrease the excretion. In order to treat pathological jaundice, the
underlying conditions must be treated.25
Physiological jaundice
The most common type of jaundice in newborns is physiological jaundice. This type of
jaundice is normal. Physiological jaundice develops in most newborns by their second or
third day of life. After your baby’s liver develops, it will start to get rid of excess bilirubin.
Physiological jaundice usually isn’t serious and goes away on its own within two weeks. In
rare cases of physiologic hyperbilirubinemia, where bilirubin levels reach toxic high levels,
neurodevelopmental abnormalities could occur including intellectual deficits, athetosis, and
loss of hearing.26 Jaundice attributable to physiological immaturity which usually appears
between 24–72 h of age and between 4th and -5th days can be considered as its peak in term
neonates and in preterm at 7th day, it disappears by 10–14 days of life27.
serum do not become higher than 15 mg/dl. More recent guidelines have suggested that even
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Pathological Jaundice
Bilirubin levels with a deviation from the normal range and requiring intervention would be
described as pathological jaundice. Appearance of jaundice within 24 h due to increase in
serum bilirubin beyond 5 mg/dl/day, peak levels higher than the expected normal range,
presence of clinical jaundice more than 2 weeks and conjugated bilirubin (dark urine staining
the clothes) would be categorized under this type of jaundice30
The jaundice pattern in exclusively breastfed infants differs from that of formula-fed babies 31.
Typically, jaundice manifests between 24 to 72 hours post-birth, peaks around days 5 to 15,
and resolves by the third week of life, with reported higher bilirubin levels 32. In breastfed
newborns, mild jaundice may persist up to 10 to 14 days post-birth or recur during
breastfeeding.33 While extreme hyperbilirubinemia leading to nuclear jaundice, potentially
resulting in neurological sequelae like hearing loss, mental retardation, and behavioral issues,
is rare, around one-third of breastfed infants exhibit mild clinical jaundice by the third week,
which may last for 2 to 3 months post-birth in some cases 34 35
. Reduced breastfeeding
frequency exacerbates physiological jaundice. 36
37
Hyperbilirubinemia is also linked to maternal breast milk . Approximately 2% to 4% of
exclusively breastfed babies develop jaundice exceeding 10 mg/dL by the third week,
necessitating consideration for prolonged jaundice evaluation 38. Diagnosis of breast milk
jaundice should be contemplated if serum bilirubin is predominantly unconjugated, other
causes of prolonged jaundice are excluded, and the infant remains healthy, vigorous, feeding
adequately, and gaining weight satisfactorily 39. Mothers are advised to continue breastfeeding
more frequently, as bilirubin levels typically decrease gradually. Discontinuation of
breastfeeding is not recommended unless bilirubin levels exceed 20 mg/dL40 .
Hemolytic Jaundice
The primary culprits behind hemolytic jaundice are (a) Rh hemolytic disease, (b) ABO
incompatibility, and (c) Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency along with
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Laboratory Tests
o Description: Assesses the activity of the G6PD enzyme in red blood cells.
Visual Assessment
o Description: Initial screening for jaundice involves inspecting the infant's skin
and sclerae for yellow discoloration.
o Procedure: Visual inspection, often under natural light.
o Significance: Visual jaundice typically appears first on the face and progresses
downward as bilirubin levels rise. However, visual assessment is subjective
and can be influenced by factors like lighting and skin tone.62
Bilirubin Levels
o Description: Key diagnostic criteria are based on serum bilirubin levels.
o Procedure: TSB and TcB measurements.
o Significance: Age-specific thresholds guide the need for intervention. For
instance, a bilirubin level above 20 mg/dL often necessitates treatment. 63
Timing and Duration
o Description: Evaluating the timing (onset within the first 24 hours, between
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Severity
o Description: Severity is assessed by comparing bilirubin levels to established
age-specific norms.
o Procedure: Serial bilirubin measurements.
o Significance: Determines the need for treatment such as phototherapy or
exchange transfusion. For example, a bilirubin level above 15 mg/dL in a term
infant at 48 hours may require intervention.64
Risk Factor Evaluation
o Description: Assessment of risk factors contributing to jaundice.
o Procedure: Comprehensive clinical evaluation including maternal and neonatal
history.
o Significance: Factors such as prematurity, blood group incompatibility, and
G6PD deficiency can help identify infants at higher risk and guide
management decisions.65
Neonatal jaundice, characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, can lead to serious
complications if not properly managed. This section provides an elaborate discussion on the
potential complications and long-term effects, supported by research findings.
Acute Complications
Kernicterus
o Kernicterus is a severe form of bilirubin encephalopathy that occurs when
unconjugated bilirubin crosses the blood-brain barrier and deposits in brain
tissues, particularly the basal ganglia and brainstem nuclei.
o Symptoms include lethargy, hypotonia, poor feeding, high-pitched crying,
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Long-term Effects
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Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent condition that manifests in the first few days of life,
characterized by the yellowing of the skin and the sclera of the eyes due to elevated bilirubin
levels. Although it is often a benign condition, it can lead to severe complications if not
properly managed, affecting both individual health outcomes and healthcare systems
worldwide.
Health Complications:
Prevalence:
Healthcare Burden:
Economic Impact:
Direct Costs: The direct costs associated with neonatal jaundice include
hospitalization, phototherapy, exchange transfusions, and follow-up visits.
These costs can be particularly burdensome for families in LMICs, where
healthcare expenses often need to be paid out-of-pocket (Olusanya et al.,
2014).
Indirect Costs: The long-term care of children who develop disabilities due to
severe jaundice imposes indirect costs on families and society. These include
the costs of special education, rehabilitation services, and the lost productivity
of parents who may need to reduce work hours or stop working to care for
their child (Olusanya et al., 2014).
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Double surface phototherapy may be more effective than single surface phototherapy. 72
Spectrum of light source: Special blue tubes with the mark F20T12/BB should be used rather
than F20T12/B lights and Irradiance or energy output may be increased in a phototherapy
unit by lowering the distance of the neonate to within 15–20 cm7374.
Moreover, the use of phototherapy continuously is associated with better outcomes than its
use intermittently. It is recommended not to interrupt phototherapy except during
breastfeeding. Type of phototherapy are as follows.7576
81 82 83 84
D-Penicillamine The mechanism of action Thin and vulnerable skin, cutis
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Here is a table summarizing herbal treatments for neonatal jaundice, including the plants
used, parts of the plant, side effects, and the mechanism of action.
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Physicians should promote and support breastfeeding, advising eight to 12 feedings per day
for the first several days of life.99 100. Formula-fed, full-term infants should consume 150 kcal
per kg per day, which is equivalent to approximately 1 to 2 oz every two to three hours in the
first week of life. Routine supplementation with water or dextrose water is not recommended
in breastfeeding infants because it will not prevent hyperbilirubinemia or decrease total serum
bilirubin levels.101
The key to secondary prevention is vigilance on the part of the health care team. All
hospitalized newborns should be routinely monitored by nursing staff and physicians for the
development of jaundice every eight to 12 hours, including at the time that vital signs are
taken.102 Measurement and interpretation of the predischarge bilirubin level can help
determine the timing of outpatient follow-up evaluations. Although jaundice in newborns can
usually be detected by blanching the skin with digital pressure and is usually initially visible
in the face with caudal progression, visual estimation of bilirubin levels is largely inaccurate
and unreliable.103 Transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement, which is noninvasive, is
equivalent to total serum bilirubin (TSB) measurement.104 105
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1. Govoni, L., Ricchi, A., Molinazzi, M. T., Galli, M. C., Putignano, A., Artioli, G., Foà,
C., Palmieri, E., & Neri, I. (2019). Breastfeeding pathologies: Analysis of prevalence,
risk and protective factors. Acta Biomedica, 90, 56–62.
https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v90i4-S.8240
This study by Govoni et al. (2019) explores the prevalence of breastfeeding pathologies
and identifies various risk and protective factors. The research emphasizes the common
challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers, such as mastitis, cracked nipples, and
insufficient milk supply. It highlights that while breastfeeding is beneficial for both
mother and child, various factors can complicate the breastfeeding process.
Risk Factors: Identified risk factors include maternal age, parity, and pre-existing
conditions. Younger mothers and first-time mothers are more likely to experience
breastfeeding difficulties.
Govoni et al. (2019) emphasize the need for comprehensive breastfeeding support programs
to address these pathologies, which can improve breastfeeding outcomes and maternal
satisfaction.
Biochemical Mechanisms: The article explains how the production and conjugation of
bilirubin are critical processes in the development of neonatal jaundice. It details the role
of hepatic enzymes in the conjugation process and the factors that can disrupt these
mechanisms.
3. Maryunani. (2013). Trans Info Media. Jakarta. West Nusa Tenggara in 2018. NTB:
Department of Health. Accessed through the Indonesian Health Profile. Indonesian
Health Profile 2015. Indonesia Health Profile. https://doi.org/doi:10.1111/evo.12990
at 16.07 WIB.
Maryunani (2013) provides a comprehensive overview of the health profile in West Nusa
Tenggara, with a specific focus on maternal and child health. Key points include:
Health Statistics: The report includes data on neonatal jaundice prevalence and other
maternal and child health indicators in the region. It highlights the challenges faced by
healthcare providers in managing these conditions.
The report calls for continued efforts to enhance healthcare services and support for
mothers and newborns in West Nusa Tenggara to reduce the incidence of neonatal
jaundice and other health issues.
4. Otsuka, Dennis, Tatsuoka, & Jimba. (2008). The relationship between breastfeeding
self-efficacy and perceived insufficient milk among Japanese mothers. Journal of
Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 37(1), 546–555.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2008.00277.x
Otsuka et al. (2008) investigate the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and
perceived insufficient milk supply among Japanese mothers. The study's key findings are:
Implications for Practice: The findings suggest that enhancing breastfeeding self-
efficacy through targeted interventions, such as counseling and support groups, can help
address perceived milk insufficiency and improve breastfeeding outcomes.
5. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2010). Neonatal jaundice
[homepage on the Internet]. Clinical guideline 98. London: Royal College of
Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. [cited 2016 Jun 15]. Available from:
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https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg98/evidence/full-guideline-pdf-245411821
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Screening and Diagnosis: The guideline recommends universal screening for jaundice in
newborns using transcutaneous bilirubinometry or serum bilirubin testing. Early
identification is crucial for preventing severe complications.
NICE's comprehensive guideline aims to standardize the care of newborns with jaundice,
improving outcomes through early detection and appropriate management.
Kaplan et al. (2002) delve into the biochemical imbalance between bilirubin production
and conjugation as a core mechanism of neonatal jaundice. The study’s highlights
include:
Bilirubin Production: The paper explains that newborns produce bilirubin at a higher
rate due to increased red blood cell turnover. This heightened production requires
efficient conjugation to prevent accumulation.
7. Brown SB, King RF. (1978). The mechanism of haem catabolism. Bilirubin
formation in living rats by [18O]oxygen labelling. Biochem J, 170(2), 297–311.
https://doi.org/10.1042/bj1700297
Brown and King (1978) investigate the process of haem catabolism and bilirubin
formation using [18O]oxygen labelling in rats. Key findings include:
Haem Catabolism: The study elucidates the biochemical pathway of haem breakdown,
leading to bilirubin formation. It highlights the role of haem oxygenase in catalyzing the
initial step of haem degradation.
Bilirubin Formation: By tracing oxygen atoms in the bilirubin molecule, the study
provides insights into the enzymatic steps involved in converting haem to bilirubin.
Rennie et al. (2010) summarize the NICE guidelines on neonatal jaundice, providing a
concise overview of recommendations for clinical practice. Key points include:
Early Screening: The guidelines advocate for early and universal screening of jaundice
in newborns to detect elevated bilirubin levels before symptoms become severe.
The summary serves as a practical guide for healthcare providers, aiming to improve the
standard of care for infants with jaundice.
Maisels and Kring (2006) explore the role of hemolysis in the development of early
jaundice in newborns. Their study findings include:
Clinical Observations: The study correlates hemolysis with higher bilirubin levels in the
first few days of life, emphasizing the need for close monitoring in infants at risk.
10. Adhikari M, Mackenjee H. (2010). Care of the newborn. In: Wittenberg DF,
editor. Coovadia’s paediatrics and child health. 6th ed. Cape Town, South
Africa: Oxford University Press, 129–130.
Neonatal Care Principles: The book chapter outlines essential principles of neonatal
care, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management of common
neonatal conditions such as jaundice.
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11. Porter ML, Dennis BL. (2002). Hyperbilirubinemia in the term newborn. Am
Fam Physician, 65(4), 599–606.
https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1969.02100040456007
12. Kramer LI. (1969). Advancement of dermal icterus in the jaundiced newborn.
Am J Dis Child, 118(3), 454–458.
https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.1969.02100040456007
Kramer (1969) investigates the progression of dermal icterus in jaundiced newborns. Key
findings include:
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13. Moyer VA, Ahn C, Sneed S. (2000). Accuracy of clinical judgment in neonatal
jaundice. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, 154(4), 391–394.
https://doi.org/10.1001/archpedi.154.4.391
Moyer et al. (2000) evaluate the accuracy of clinical judgment in assessing neonatal
jaundice. Key points include:
Clinical Judgment: The study finds that clinical judgment alone is often insufficient for
accurately assessing jaundice severity. Visual assessment tends to underestimate bilirubin
levels.
Diagnostic Tools: The authors advocate for the use of objective diagnostic tools, such as
transcutaneous bilirubinometry, to improve the accuracy of jaundice assessment.
Implications for Practice: Reliance on clinical judgment alone can lead to missed or
delayed diagnoses, underscoring the need for incorporating objective measurements in
routine practice.
This study highlights the limitations of clinical judgment and the need for objective
diagnostic tools to improve jaundice management in newborns.
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The impact of neonatal jaundice on both individual infants and public health is profound.
Unmanaged jaundice can lead to severe complications such as kernicterus, resulting in long-
term neurological deficits or even death. Furthermore, the burden of neonatal jaundice is
heightened in low- and middle-income countries due to limited access to healthcare resources
and diagnostic tools.
Prevention strategies play a crucial role in mitigating the burden of neonatal jaundice. Early
identification of at-risk infants, breastfeeding support, and maternal education on jaundice
recognition are essential components of preventive efforts. Additionally, advancements in
prenatal screening and genetic testing offer opportunities for targeted interventions to reduce
the incidence of severe jaundice.
The literature review provided insights into the epidemiology, risk factors, biochemical
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7. Reference:
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