What is neonatal jaundice?

Jul 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, immature liver metabolism function, breast milk jaundice, hemolytic disease of the newborn, or biliary atresia. Components in breast milk can affect bilirubin metabolism, leading to jaundice that often presents as prolonged jaundice duration. The infant typically displays a good mental status, normal feeding, and normal weight gain.

Generally, neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, immature liver metabolism, breast milk jaundice, hemolytic disease of the newborn, or biliary atresia. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive bilirubin production: Newborns have a higher number of red blood cells with shorter lifespans. When red blood cells break down, they produce large amounts of bilirubin, exceeding the liver's metabolic capacity, leading 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 liver metabolism: The newborn's liver is not fully developed, and the enzymatic activity responsible for processing bilirubin is low, resulting in slow bilirubin metabolism and jaundice. Close monitoring of bilirubin levels is necessary, and phototherapy may be required when indicated to promote bilirubin breakdown and excretion.

3. Breast milk jaundice: Components in breast milk affect bilirubin metabolism, causing jaundice that often lasts longer than usual. The infant typically remains in good general condition, feeds normally, and gains weight appropriately. The main treatment is to temporarily discontinue breastfeeding for 1–2 days under a doctor's guidance and switch to formula feeding.

4. Hemolytic disease of the newborn: Maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility, such as ABO or Rh incompatibility, triggers antigen-antibody reactions that cause extensive red blood cell destruction and a rapid rise in bilirubin levels, leading to jaundice, often accompanied by symptoms such as anemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and edema. Doctors generally recommend treatment with human albumin injection, intravenous human immunoglobulin (pH4), and phenobarbital sodium injection.

5. Biliary atresia: Abnormal development of the neonatal biliary system, such as bile duct atresia or stenosis, obstructs bile excretion and causes jaundice. Symptoms often include progressively worsening jaundice and pale stools resembling clay. Treatment requires surgical intervention under medical guidance, such as Kasai surgery.

In daily life, parents should closely monitor changes in the newborn's skin jaundice, regularly check bilirubin levels, and ensure adequate feeding. If jaundice appears early, progresses rapidly, or persists, prompt medical attention is necessary to identify the underlying cause and implement targeted treatment.

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How can infant jaundice be reduced quickly?

Infant jaundice may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, insufficient feeding with reduced bowel movements, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, neonatal infections, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through feeding adjustments, phototherapy, and other methods. With a doctor's approval, infants can also receive appropriate mild sun exposure by exposing their skin moderately in daily life.

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How can neonatal jaundice resolve quickly?

In general, neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, weak liver metabolism of bilirubin, breast milk jaundice, hemolytic jaundice, infectious jaundice, and other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, phototherapy (blue light irradiation), and other methods.

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What to do about abnormal coagulation function in newborns

Under normal circumstances, the main diseases that cause abnormal coagulation function in newborns include vitamin K deficiency, neonatal hemorrhagic disease, omphalitis complicated with coagulation disorders, congenital coagulation factor deficiency, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. At this time, medication treatment, plasma transfusion, and other methods can be selected as appropriate to improve the condition. The specific analysis is as follows:

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Which medications may cause low platelet counts in newborns?

Under normal circumstances, neonatal thrombocytopenia can be triggered by various factors. Some medications may cause this condition by affecting platelet production or accelerating platelet destruction. Commonly associated drugs include Vancomycin Hydrochloride Injection, Cefotaxime Sodium for Injection, Rifampin Capsules, Indomethacin Enteric-coated Tablets, and Sulfadiazine Tablets.