pediatrics
Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia
Key Points
Neonatal jaundice is caused by increased bilirubin production, decreased bilirubin clearance, or increased enterohepatic circulation. Some jaundice is normal in neonates. Risk varies with postnatal age, total serum bilirubin value, prematurity, and health of the neonate. Treatment depends on cause and degree of bilirubin elevation; the more preterm the infant, the lower the threshold level for treatment. Definitive treatments include phototherapy and exchange transfusion. 