What are the causes of neonatal jaundice?
Aug 26, 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, biliary atresia, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily care, newborns can be appropriately exposed to gentle sunlight, but direct exposure to intense sunlight should be avoided.
Generally, neonatal jaundice may be caused by excessive bilirubin production, immature liver metabolism function, breast milk jaundice, neonatal hemolytic disease, biliary atresia, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the specific cause and receive symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive bilirubin production: Newborns produce more bilirubin daily than adults. When this exceeds the liver's processing capacity, jaundice may occur. Increasing feeding frequency can help promote defecation and urination to assist bilirubin excretion, and usually no special treatment is required.
2. Immature liver metabolism function: The enzymatic system of a newborn's liver is not fully developed, resulting in a weaker capacity to process bilirubin, which can lead to bilirubin accumulation. Enhanced care and ensuring sufficient milk intake are important. As liver function gradually matures, jaundice will subside.
3. Breast milk jaundice: This is related to certain components in breast milk that affect bilirubin metabolism. It often appears about one week after birth. If bilirubin levels are not significantly elevated, breastfeeding can continue. When necessary, follow medical advice to temporarily stop breastfeeding for 1–3 days and switch to formula feeding.
4. Neonatal hemolytic disease: Caused by blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, such as ABO or Rh hemolytic disease, which leads to excessive red blood cell destruction and bilirubin production. Treatment may involve medications such as human immunoglobulin injection, albumin injection, and phenobarbital tablets under a doctor's guidance. In severe cases, exchange transfusion may be required to replace excess bilirubin and sensitized red blood cells in the body.
5. Biliary atresia: Abnormal bile duct development leads to impaired bile excretion, causing jaundice that progressively worsens. Early surgical intervention with portoenterostomy is necessary to establish a bile drainage pathway. Long-term postoperative medication, such as ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, is also needed to assist bile excretion and protect liver function.
In daily care, newborns can be appropriately exposed to gentle sunlight, but must be protected from direct sun exposure. Pay attention to the newborn's mental status, feeding patterns, and changes in jaundice. Maintain skin cleanliness and prevent infections.
