What to do about neonatal jaundice
Aug 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Neonatal jaundice may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, insufficient breastfeeding, hemolytic disease of the newborn, neonatal sepsis, biliary atresia, 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 general treatment, medication, surgical intervention, and other approaches. In daily care, closely monitor the extent and severity of the newborn's skin and scleral jaundice.
Generally, neonatal jaundice may be caused by characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism, insufficient breastfeeding, hemolytic disease of the newborn, neonatal sepsis, biliary atresia, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatment, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Characteristics of neonatal bilirubin metabolism: Neonates have a high number of red blood cells with a short lifespan, and low activity of hepatic glucuronyl transferase, leading to a slow bilirubin metabolism rate, which makes them prone to jaundice. In daily care, increase the frequency of breastfeeding to 8–12 times per day to promote defecation and urination in the newborn, aiding bilirubin excretion through feces and urine, without the need for special medication.
2. Insufficient breastfeeding: When neonates consume insufficient milk, bowel movements decrease, increasing intestinal reabsorption of bilirubin, which can worsen jaundice or prolong its duration. Frequent breastfeeding is necessary, and if breast milk is inadequate, formula supplementation may be considered under a doctor's guidance to ensure the newborn has 3–5 bowel movements and 6–8 urinations daily, thereby reducing enterohepatic circulation of bilirubin.
3. Hemolytic disease of the newborn: Maternal-fetal blood group incompatibility causes maternal antibodies to attack the newborn's red blood cells, increasing red blood cell destruction and elevating bilirubin levels. Follow medical advice to administer medications such as human albumin solution, intravenous immunoglobulin, and phenobarbital sodium injection to lower bilirubin levels. In severe cases, exchange transfusion may be performed to replace sensitized red blood cells and remove excess bilirubin.
4. Neonatal sepsis: Bacterial infection enters the neonate's bloodstream, impairing liver metabolic function and disrupting bilirubin metabolism. Follow medical advice to use antibiotics such as penicillin sodium for injection, ceftriaxone sodium for injection, and ampicillin sodium for injection to combat infection, along with blue light phototherapy to promote bilirubin breakdown and excretion.
5. Biliary atresia: Abnormal development of the neonatal biliary tract prevents normal bile excretion, causing bilirubin accumulation, progressive jaundice, and pale stools. After diagnosis, early hepatic portoenterostomy should be performed to reconstruct the bile excretion pathway. Regular liver function monitoring and long-term nutritional support are required post-surgery.
In daily care, closely monitor the extent and severity of skin and scleral jaundice, maintain clean and dry skin, avoid excessive swaddling, and ensure adequate sleep. With standardized treatment and scientific care, most cases of neonatal jaundice can gradually resolve, supporting the healthy growth of the newborn.
