What are the causes of neonatal jaundice?

Treatment for neonatal jaundice includes phototherapy and drug therapy. Common causes are abnormal bilirubin metabolism and immature liver function. Neonatal jaundice is caused by excessive bilirubin production, insufficient liver metabolism, or bilirubin excretion disorders. Bilirubin is a product of red blood cell decomposition. The liver function of newborns is not fully developed and cannot effectively process bilirubin, causing it to accumulate in the blood, manifesting as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes.

1. Excessive bilirubin production: Newborns have shorter red blood cells and break down faster, which leads to increased bilirubin production. Blood type incompatibility between mother and baby, such as ABO or Rh blood type incompatibility, may cause hemolysis, further increasing bilirubin levels. Premature and low-birth-weight babies have a higher risk of jaundice because their red blood cells break down faster.

2. Insufficient liver metabolism capacity: The liver function of newborns is not yet mature, and the activity of bilirubin metabolic enzymes is low, which cannot effectively convert bilirubin into an excretable form. Hereditary liver enzyme deficiencies such as Gilbert's syndrome can also affect bilirubin metabolism.

3. Bilirubin excretion disorder: Biliary atresia or abnormal bile duct development may lead to obstruction of bilirubin excretion. Breast milk jaundice is caused by certain components in breast milk inhibiting the metabolism of bilirubin, and usually occurs after breastfeeding.

4. Other factors: Infection, hypoxia or drug use may affect bilirubin metabolism. Neonatal infections such as sepsis can increase bilirubin production, while hypoxia may damage liver function.

The mainstay of treatment for neonatal jaundice is phototherapy, which uses a specific wavelength of blue light to convert bilirubin into an excretable form. In severe cases, exchange transfusion may be needed to rapidly reduce bilirubin levels. Medical treatments include phenobarbital to increase liver enzyme activity or albumin to bind bilirubin to promote excretion. Breast milk jaundice usually requires no specific treatment and is managed with ongoing monitoring. Preventive measures include early breastfeeding, avoidance of infection, and regular monitoring of bilirubin levels.

Early identification and intervention of neonatal jaundice is crucial to avoid serious complications such as kernicterus caused by high bilirubin. Parents should closely observe changes in the color of the newborn's skin and whites of the eyes, seek medical attention for bilirubin testing in a timely manner, and follow the doctor's treatment recommendations to ensure the healthy development of the newborn.