Neonatal jaundice. Strategies to reduce bilirubin-induced complications.
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.
Melton
K
K
Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA.
Akinbi
H T
HT
D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood*; D005078:Exchange Transfusion, Whole Blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D007647:Kernicterus / Q000209:etiology; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education; D010359:Patient Readmission; D010789:Phototherapy; D012307:Risk Factors
D001663:Bilirubin