Jaundice
By Michael and Josh
What is Jaundice?
Infant Jaundice is a slight yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes. It occurs because the baby's blood contains an excess of bilirubin, a yellow-colored pigment in red blood cells. Jaundice usually becomes evident two to four days after birth. It's a non serious health complication and the baby's quality of life should not be affected.
How common is Jaundice and who is most susceptible?
Jaundice is a very common birth condition and is most common among premature or breast-fed babies. It is caused because the babie's liver is undeveloped and can't get rid of the bilirubin in the blood stream. It is more common in babies with parents of Asian, African, or Medditeranean decent, and it's more prominent in male babies. To prevent Jaundice regularly feed the baby, especially the first few days of its life.
This is a baby with Jaundice
This is baby with Jaundice receiving light therapy
This is what a normal baby looks like compared to a baby with Jaundice
For more information about Jaundice go to mayoclinic.org and find out!
How is Jaundice treated and what are several medical complications?
For mild Jaundice, it usually dissapears on its own within two to three weeks, but for more serious cases treatments include: light therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin, or an exchange transfusion. Acute bilirubin, encephalopathy, or Kernicterus are severel medical complications that may be a result of Jaundice.
Sources
mayoclinic.org
webmd.com
Kidshealth.org