Hyperbilirubinemia in the term Newborn.

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice or Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a yellowing of the skin and other tissues of a newborn infant. A bilirubin level of more than 85umol/l(5 mg/dl) manifests clinical jaundice in neonates where as in adults a level of 34umol/l (2 mg/dL) would look icteric. In newborns jaundice is detected by blanching the skin with digital pressure so that it reveals underlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. Jaundice newborns have an apparent icteric sclera, and yellowing of the face, extending down on to the chest. In neonates the dermal icterus is first noted in the face and as the bilirubin level rises proceeds caudal to the trunk and then to the extremities. In neonates the dermal icterus is first noted in the face and as the bilirubin level rises proceeds caudal to the trunk and then to the extremities. This condition is common in newborns affecting over half (50-60%) of all babies in the first week of life. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia in Bhaskar Medical College and to determine the underlying causes; improved knowledge of which would be valuable to help identify strategies for risk reduction. Keywords: - Jaundice, Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia, Kernicterus