It is not uncommon for newborns to have jaundice. This is due to elevated bilirubin, and may be a normal physiologic phenomenon. But if the bilirubin rises too high or too fast, this may pose a danger for the child. In this episode, we explain why jaundice occurs due to normal newborn bilirubin metabolism, what conditions may lead to increased risk of jaundice, how this is monitored, what are some of the consequences if this is not treated, and of course the common treatments and expected clinical course. So listen up as we shed some light on this subject!
This episode written by Drs. Lena van der List and Dean Blumberg.
We thank Dr. Christopher Kim, Medical Director Division of Pediatric Primary Care at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for reviewing this episode, although Drs. Lena and Dean take full responsibility for any errors or misinformation.
Additional Resources:
- Healthy Children Jaundice in Newborns
- Healthy Children AAP Revises Clinical Guidelines for Hyperbilirubinemia in Newborns
Photo courtesy of Positive Parenting
