An emergency medicine approach to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia Emerg Med Clin North Am Journal Article uri icon
Overview
abstract
  • 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.

  • publication date
  • 2007
  • Research
    keywords
  • Blood
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Infant
  • Jaundice, Neonatal
  • Pediatrics
  • Therapy
  • Additional Document Info
    volume
  • 25
  • issue
  • 4