An Overview of Neonatal Jaundice

Jaundice occurs in around 60% of newborns. Babies become visibly jaundiced when the bilirubin level reaches 80-120 umol/L. The reasons jaundice is so common is that newborns have a high Hb concentration at birth, their red cell lifespan is only 70 days compared with an adult 120 days and their hepatic metabolism is less efficient in the first few days. However, despite the normal reasons, neonatal jaundice is important as it may be a sign of another disorder and very high levels of unconjucated bilirubin can cause the serious condition of kernicterus.