What are the hazards and sequelae of neonatal jaundice

If neonatal jaundice is not treated in time, it may lead to serious brain damage and sequelae such as kernicterus. It is necessary to decide whether to seek medical attention as soon as possible based on the situation.

Jaundice is a common phenomenon in newborns, mostly caused by bilirubin metabolism disorders, manifested as yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. The former is milder and usually disappears on its own within two weeks, while the latter is caused by disease or other reasons and requires vigilance.

If it is pathological jaundice, high bilirubin levels may cross the blood-brain barrier, causing brain damage and inducing serious consequences such as hearing loss and intellectual disability. It is necessary to closely observe the duration of jaundice, the degree of color deepening, or abnormal manifestations such as feeding difficulties and drowsiness.

Parents can try to increase the frequency of breastfeeding to promote bilirubin excretion, but if jaundice lasts for more than two weeks or symptoms worsen, they should seek medical attention in time so that doctors can reduce the risk through intervention measures such as phototherapy or exchange transfusion. High-risk factors such as premature birth require earlier attention and screening and treatment.