Newborn Jaundice Treatment in Gurgaon

Neonatal jaundice can occur for several reasons. The common types include:

1. Physiological Jaundice

This is the most common type of newborn jaundice. It occurs because a baby's liver is not yet fully mature and may take time to process bilirubin efficiently.

2. Breastfeeding-Associated Jaundice

This may occur when a newborn is not getting enough breast milk during the early days. Inadequate feeding can lead to dehydration and reduced elimination of bilirubin.

3. Breast Milk Jaundice

Some healthy breastfed babies develop jaundice that lasts longer than the usual early newborn period. The baby generally remains well, but prolonged jaundice should still be evaluated by a paediatrician.

4. Pathological Jaundice

Jaundice that appears very early, increases rapidly, or reaches unusually high levels may indicate an underlying medical condition. It requires prompt medical evaluation.

5. Conjugated Hyperbilirubinemia

An increase in direct or conjugated bilirubin is not considered typical newborn jaundice and requires further investigation to identify the underlying cause.

The most noticeable sign of infant yellow jaundice is a yellowish colour of the skin or eyes.

Parents may notice:

• Yellowing of the face and nose

• Yellow skin spreading towards the chest, abdomen, arms or legs

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes

• Poor or reduced feeding

• Excessive sleepiness

• Difficulty waking the baby for feeds

• Reduced activity

• Fewer wet diapers

• Dark-coloured urine

• Pale or unusually light-coloured stools

Jaundice appearing during the first 24 hours after birth needs prompt medical assessment. Parents should also seek medical attention if the baby becomes increasingly yellow, feeds poorly or is unusually difficult to wake.

Newborn jaundice can occur when the body produces more bilirubin than the baby's developing liver can process and remove.

Possible causes include:

• Immature liver function

• Normal breakdown of red blood cells after birth

• Inadequate breastfeeding or feeding difficulties

• Dehydration

• Premature birth

• Blood-group incompatibility between mother and baby

• Increased breakdown of red blood cells

• Bruising or cephalohematoma during birth

• Certain infections

• G6PD deficiency and other blood disorders

• Liver or bile-flow problems

• Certain metabolic or endocrine conditions

The causes of jaundice can vary from one baby to another, which is why medical assessment is important when bilirubin levels are elevated, or jaundice persists.

A paediatrician or neonatologist will assess the baby's skin and eyes along with feeding, birth history, gestational age, and other risk factors.

Bilirubin Testing

The bilirubin level may be checked using:

• Transcutaneous Bilirubin Test: A non-invasive device is placed against the baby's skin to estimate the bilirubin level.

• Total Serum Bilirubin Test: A blood test provides a more accurate measurement of bilirubin when further assessment is required. The baby's bilirubin level is interpreted based on factors such as the baby's age in hours, gestational age, and other risk factors.

If jaundice is severe, develops early, or persists, the doctor may recommend additional tests to identify conditions such as blood-group incompatibility, increased red blood cell breakdown, infection, or liver-related problems.

Treatment depends on the baby's bilirubin level, age, gestational age, and overall health.

• Phototherapy: Phototherapy is one of the most commonly used treatments for significant newborn jaundice. The baby is placed under special medical lights that convert bilirubin into a form the body can eliminate. The duration of phototherapy depends on the bilirubin level and how the baby responds to treatment. Doctors may monitor bilirubin during and after treatment.

• Feeding and Hydration Support: Adequate feeding is important for babies with jaundice. Regular feeding helps the baby stay hydrated and supports the elimination of bilirubin through urine and stools. If a baby is not feeding adequately or has significant weight loss or dehydration, the healthcare team may recommend additional feeding support.

• Treatment of the Underlying Cause: If jaundice is caused by blood-group incompatibility, infection, excessive breakdown of red blood cells, or another medical condition, additional treatment may be necessary.

• Exchange Transfusion: In severe cases where bilirubin levels remain dangerously high despite intensive treatment, an exchange transfusion may be required. This is performed in a specialised neonatal care setting.

Parents should not use direct sunlight as a substitute for medical phototherapy. If a newborn appears significantly jaundiced, medical assessment is the safest approach.

Certain babies have a higher risk of developing significant jaundice, including babies who:

• Are born prematurely

• Have difficulty breastfeeding or feeding

• Have excessive weight loss

• Have a sibling who previously required treatment for jaundice

• Have blood-group incompatibility

• Have conditions that increase red blood cell breakdown

• Have significant bruising during delivery

• Have G6PD deficiency

• Develop jaundice very early after birth

Having a risk factor does not necessarily mean that a baby will develop severe jaundice. However, babies with these factors may require closer monitoring.

Not every case of newborn jaundice can be prevented. However, early monitoring and adequate feeding can help reduce complications.

Parents can support their baby's health by:

• Ensuring regular and adequate feeding

• Monitoring breastfeeding and feeding patterns

• Keeping track of wet diapers

• Attending scheduled newborn check-ups

• Getting bilirubin levels checked when recommended

• Following up after discharge as advised by the healthcare team

• Seeking medical attention if jaundice becomes more pronounced

• Following the paediatrician's recommendations if the baby has risk factors

Early detection allows doctors to determine whether the jaundice can be monitored or requires treatment.

Seek prompt medical attention if your newborn:

• Develops jaundice within the first 24 hours

• Becomes increasingly yellow

• Is difficult to wake

• Is not feeding properly

• Has significantly fewer wet diapers

• Has a high-pitched cry or unusual movements

• Appears unusually floppy or stiff

• Has dark urine

• Has pale or white stools

• Develops a fever or appears unwell

Looking for newborn jaundice treatment in Gurgaon? Consult the paediatric and neonatology doctors team at Miracles Healthcare for timely evaluation, bilirubin assessment, and appropriate treatment for your baby

Miracles Healthcare is the best neonatology hospital in Gurgaon, providing paediatric and neonatal care with access to a highly experienced team of paediatric doctors and neonatology specialists. The hospital offers evaluation and management of newborn conditions, including jaundice, with facilities for bilirubin assessment and phototherapy when clinically indicated.

For babies requiring closer observation or specialized care, the hospital has a Level III NICU, providing advanced neonatal care and monitoring for newborns who need intensive medical support. The treatment plan is determined according to the baby's bilirubin level, age, gestational age, feeding status, and overall clinical condition.

If your newborn appears yellow, is feeding poorly, is unusually sleepy, or develops jaundice within the first 24 hours, consult a paediatrician or neonatologist near you at Miracles Healthcare promptly for timely evaluation and appropriate care.