An emergency medicine approach to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Jaundice (also known as hyperbilirubinemia) is a yellowish-greenish pigmentation of the sclera and skin caused by an increase in bilirubin production or a defect in bilirubin elimination. Management of hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most common reasons for readmission of a newborn. Prolonged unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can result in acute bilirubin encephalopathy and eventually develop into chronic bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus). Kernicterus, the feared complication of hyperbilirubinemia, was considered almost extinct but has recently re-emerged despite virtual elimination of Rh disease. This review provides a systematic approach to the presentation, evaluation, and management of the jaundiced newborn.
Colletti
James E
JE
Department of Emergency Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. jamesecolletti@gmail.com
Kothari
Samip
S
Kothori
Samip
S
Jackson
Danielle M
DM
Kilgore
Kevin P
KP
Barringer
Kelly
K
D000367:Age Factors; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D010789:Phototherapy; D012306:Risk
D001663:Bilirubin