What is Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia?

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the diagnosis given to newborns that have too much bilirubin in their systems. Bilirubin is produced in the body when red blood cells break down. The common sign of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is yellowing of the skin and eyes. This yellowing is called jaundice. The term "jaundice" is used broadly by many outside of the medical community for the condition neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. This condition is fairly common in preterm babies.

Causes

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is often a direct result of a newborn's body not being able to excrete, or get rid of, the bilirubin as fast as needed after birth. Some newborns develop what is called breast milk jaundice. This is also hyperbilirubinemia, yet it appears after a baby is over a week old. It can occur when an infant isn't consuming enough calories or is dehydrated. A baby that is born with an infection and/or liver problems may also have or develop hyperbilirubinemia.

Risks

Babies who are born prior to 36 weeks gestation are at increased risk of developing hyperbilirubinemia. Babies born to diabetic mothers are more at risk of having neonatal hyperbilirubinemia than babies who are born to nondiabetic mothers. Rh disease can also cause the condition. This disease develops when the mother's blood and her baby's blood types are incompatible. Problems that can develop in a baby with this condition include severe jaundice, an enlarged liver and anemia.

Concerns

If large amounts of bilirubin go to the brain, it can lead to seizures and/or brain damage. This is called kernicterus. Identifying neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is vital. While most cases of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are identified in a hospital setting, women who have their babies at home should have their newborns checked by a pediatrician the day of birth.

Symptoms

Yellowing of the eyes and skin is the prevalent sign of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Skin yellowing usually begins on a newborn's face and then travels down the body. Babies who have neonatal hyperbilirubinemia may also seem sluggish. They may also have trouble eating regardless if they are bottle- or breastfed.

Treatment

Babies who have neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are diagnosed through blood testing. Treatment involves phototherapy, which involves placing the baby under special lights or wrapping him in a fiberoptic blanket. If it's discovered that the infant has breast milk jaundice, breastfeeding is discontinued for a period of days and the baby is bottle-fed.