Why do newborns have jaundice?
Jul 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
After cytomegalovirus infects a newborn, it may impair liver function, affect bilirubin metabolism, and cause jaundice, often accompanied by symptoms such as hepatosplenomegaly, abnormal liver function, and rash. It is recommended to use medications such as ganciclovir injection, Yinzhihuang granules, and reduced glutathione injection under a doctor's guidance. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is advised.
Neonatal jaundice may be caused by factors such as excessive bilirubin production, an immature hepatic enzyme system, breast milk jaundice, ABO blood group incompatibility hemolytic disease, cytomegalovirus infection, and others. If abnormalities occur, timely medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive bilirubin production: Newborns have a relatively high number of red blood cells with short lifespans. After red blood cell destruction, excessive bilirubin production can easily lead to jaundice. It is recommended to increase feeding frequency to promote bowel movements and help eliminate bilirubin from the body; most cases can resolve spontaneously.
2. Immature hepatic enzyme system: Newborns have low enzymatic activity in the liver responsible for processing bilirubin, leading to slow bilirubin metabolism and resulting in jaundice. Close monitoring of jaundice progression is necessary, and phototherapy may be required when indicated to accelerate bilirubin breakdown and excretion.
3. Breast milk jaundice: In breastfed newborns, components in breast milk may affect bilirubin metabolism, causing jaundice. This often presents as prolonged jaundice, with the infant feeding normally, in good general condition, and gaining weight steadily. Breastfeeding may be temporarily stopped for 1–2 days and replaced with formula feeding.
4. ABO blood group incompatibility hemolytic disease: When the mother and newborn have incompatible ABO blood types, maternal antibodies entering the newborn's body destroy red blood cells, causing a rapid rise in bilirubin levels and resulting in jaundice. It is often accompanied by symptoms such as anemia and hepatosplenomegaly. Doctors generally recommend treatment with human albumin, intravenous immunoglobulin (pH4), sodium phenobarbital injection, and other appropriate therapies.
5. Cytomegalovirus infection: Cytomegalovirus infection in newborns can impair liver function and affect bilirubin metabolism, leading to jaundice, often accompanied by hepatosplenomegaly, abnormal liver function, rash, and other symptoms. It is recommended to follow medical guidance for treatment with medications such as ganciclovir injection, Yinzhihuang granules, and reduced glutathione injection.
In daily life, closely observe changes in the newborn's skin jaundice, regularly monitor bilirubin levels, and ensure adequate feeding. If jaundice appears too early, progresses rapidly, or persists without resolution, timely medical evaluation and targeted treatment are advised.
