Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn

Excellent, concise summary of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn from Pediatrics in Review.

Link to full text of PIR article.

Remember: http://bilitool.org/

 Summary

• Based on strong research evidence, breastfeeding, prematurity, significant jaundice in a previous sibling, and jaundice noted before discharge from the nursery are the most common risk factors associated with severe hyperbilirubinemia.
• Based on research evaluating benefit versus harm, jaundice in the first 24 hours after birth is not physiologic jaundice and needs further evaluation.
• All newborns should undergo a risk assessment for hyperbilirubinemia before discharge from the newborn nursery and have appropriate follow-up evaluation after discharge.
• Visual assessment of jaundice does not assess the TSB reliably; clinicians should check either a TSB or TcB when in doubt.
• The infant's age in hours is used when evaluating and managing bilirubin concentrations.