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Newborn Jaundice
Alternate Names : Jaundice of the Newborn, Physiologic Jaundice of the Newborn
Definition
Newborn jaundice is a condition caused by increased levels of bilirubin (a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells by the liver) which gives an infant's skin and eyeballs a yellowish tinge.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
At birth, babies have a relatively immature liver function. Therefore, jaundice is present to some degree in almost all newborns. Even the normal destruction of red blood cells by the liver in the newborn infant can cause jaundice. This form of jaundice usually appears between the 2nd and 5th days of life and clears by 2 weeks. It usually causes no problems.
Breast-feeding jaundice is seen in 5-10% of newborns. It is similar to physiologic jaundice, but bilirubin levels tend to be slightly higher. This occurs when breast-fed babies do not take in enough breast milk and rarely requires treatment.
Sometimes, however, breast-feeding does need to be interrupted and bottle-feeding substituted for a brief period of time to clear the jaundice.
Jaundice in a newborn is rarely caused by a serious illness. Disorders which can cause jaundice in a baby include:
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Definition Newborn Jaundice Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors Newborn Jaundice Symptoms & Signs Newborn Jaundice Prevention Newborn Jaundice Diagnosis & Tests Newborn Jaundice Treatment Newborn Jaundice Prognosis Newborn Jaundice Complications Calling Your Health Care Provider
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Tests & Exams
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Review Date : 7/26/2002
Reviewed By : Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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