Neonatal jaundice. Strategies to reduce bilirubin-induced complications

Abstract

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the most common reason for hospital readmission in the first 2 weeks of life. Kernicterus is still relatively uncommon but has been on the rise with the institution in the 1990's of aggressive early postnatal discharge policies. Bilirubin-induced complications can be prevented by instituting a neonatal jaundice protocol to identify infants at risk for significant hyperbilirubinemia, by ensuring adequate parental education and preparedness, and by implementing a good neonatal tracking system for follow-up care. Hyperbilirubinemia is easily treated with phototherapy, which can be administered at home in selected infants.