Management of neonatal jaundice

Management is as follows:

• diagnosis and correction of any underlying abnormality is important
• fluid and caloric intake will prevent worsening jaundice
• unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia may be treated with phototherapy or with exchange transfusion
• conjugated hyperbilirubinaemia due to obstruction would be treated with the appropriate management for the underlying condition. Phototherapy or exchange transfusion may be required depedning on level of hyperbilirubinaemia
• management options for hyperbilirubinaemia have been stated by NICE (1):
  • monitoring, or,
  • phototherapy, or,
  • exchange transfusion
  • NICE have issued guidance as to the levels of raised bilirubin and age of the neonate when each management strategy is indicated:

Reference:

• 1) NICE (May 2010). Neonatal Jaundice