How Is Jaundice Measured in Infants?
Significance Jaundice is caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow-orange pigment in the blood resulting from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells. The more the disintegration of red blood cells, the higher the concentration of bilirubin. Physiological jaundice of the newborn is common. Jaundice occurs most often in preterm infants born before the 36th week and premature babies weighing less than five pounds. Because the excess red blood cells babies are born with are being broken down, the infant’s liver is not mature enough to process the extra bilirubin being produced. In some cases, jaundice may be due to hemolytic disease, occurring when the mother and baby have different blood types. Faster breakdown of red blood cells will take place in this circumstance, resulting in elevated bilirubin levels. Identification Initial diagnosis of infant jaundice is based on the baby’s appearance. The excess pigment in the blood causes a yellowish discoloration of the skin and e
