Neonate jaundice or physiological jaundice , very common in newborns, is a condition characterized by high levels of bilirubin in the blood that causes a yellowish discoloration of the baby’s skin and sclera (whites of the eyes) from the second or third day of life.
When the baby is in the womb, the mother’s liver is responsible for eliminating the baby’s bilirubin, but once the baby’s liver is born it takes a while to start working properly. That is why bilirubin levels in some newborns are elevated.
The most severe cases of intense hyperbilirubin may require an exchange transfusion, a treatment in which part of the body’s blood is replaced by other blood from donors. In a small group of babies, jaundice is actually due to a disease, for example in cases of blood incompatibility between mother and baby.
In these cases it appears earlier, generally the first day of life, and requires treatment. It can also appear in newborns due to liver malformations or biliary disorders. In older children, jaundice can be a sign of hepatitis or a disease that is destroying red blood cells.
Treatment of jaundice
It does not require treatment if the bilirubin level does not exceed a safe level that depends on the weight of the child and the days of life. When it exceeds that level, it requires phototherapy , a treatment in which the baby is exposed to ultraviolet light .
He is placed under blue fluorescent lights, also known as bililuces, with the eyes covered so as not to damage them and the child is turned so that he receives the light all over his body. They have also created a blanket that incorporates phototherapy so that the baby can be in the arms of his parents while receiving the treatment.
By acting on the skin, the light waves act by modifying the molecular structure of bilirubin, breaking it down into non-toxic substances that are eliminated by the body through urine and feces. In this way, the light rays accelerate the bilirubin removal process until it returns to normal safe levels.
It is a safe and effective method , as well as being harmless to the baby.
During treatment, the baby’s vital signs, temperature and responses are monitored at all times. Blood tests are done regularly to check the bilirubin level. When it reaches normal numbers, therapy is stopped.
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