الفهرس 
Neonatal JaundiceOnly 14 pages are availabe for public view
 |  | from | 162 |  |  |
| | | from | 162 | | |
Abstract
Neonatal jaundice affects up to 84% of term newborns and is the
most common cause of hospital readmission in the neonatal period. Severe
hyperbilirubinemia (total serum bilirubin [TSB] level of more than 20 mg per
dL [342.1 μmol per L]) occurs in less than 2% of term infants and can lead to
kernicterus. In addition to hyperbilirubinemia, earlier gestational age,
hemolysis, sepsis, and low birth weight are associated with the development of
bilirubin encephalopathy.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends universal screening
with TSB or transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels, or targeted screening based
on risk factors. Some studies have found that the use of risk scores is as
accurate as universal screening for predicting hyperbilirubinemia.
Visually inspect naked baby in bright and preferably natural light for
visible jaundice and ensure babies with factors associated with an increased
likelihood of developing significant hyperbilirubinemia receive an additional
visual inspection by a healthcare professional during the first 48 hours of life,
do not rely on visual inspection alone to estimate the bilirubin level in a baby
with suspected jaundice. However, do not measure bilirubin levels routinely in
babies who are not visibly jaundiced.
Use a transcutaneous bilirubinometer to measure the bilirubin level.
Use serum bilirubin measurement if a transcutaneous bilirubinometer is
not available,
For babies in the first 24hrs of life, babies who have a gestational age of
less than 35 wks, if a transcutaneous bilirubinometer measurement indicates a
bilirubin level greater than 250 micromol/litre (14.6mg/dl) or measurement if bilirubin levels are at or above the relevant treatment thresholds for their age,
and for all subsequent measurements.