Clinical features of neonatal jaundice
In addition to the obvious icteric discolouration of the neonate, other clinical features may include:
- failure to thrive
- poor feeding
- other features of the underlying aetiology
NICE state that (1)
- identify babies as being more likely to develop significant hyperbilirubinaemia if they have any of the following factors:
- gestational age under 38 weeks
- a previous sibling with neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy
- mother's intention to breastfeed exclusively
- visible jaundice in the first 24 hours of life
- in all babies:
- check whether there are factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing significant hyperbilirubinaemia soon after birth
- examine the baby for jaundice at every opportunity especially in the first 72 hours
- when looking for jaundice (visual inspection):
- examine the sclerae and gums, and press lightly on the skin to check for signs of jaundice in 'blanched' skin
- do not rely on visual inspection alone to estimate the bilirubin level in a baby with suspected jaundice
Reference:
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