THE BILIRUBIN JOURNEY: UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING JAUNDICE IN NEWBORNS

Abstract

Neonatal jaundice is a common condition in newborns, characterized by the accumulation of bilirubin in the blood, resulting in a yellowish color of the skin and mucous membranes. This condition can occur due to several causes, the most frequent being physiological jaundice, which arises due to liver immaturity, and pathological jaundice, which can be due to conditions such as blood incompatibility (e.g. Rh or ABO), infections, metabolic disorders or hematological. This article reviews the main mechanisms underlying neonatal jaundice, diagnostic methods for its assessment, and recommended management strategies. Physiological jaundice usually resolves spontaneously without medical intervention, but pathological jaundice requires a more detailed approach to treat the underlying cause and prevent complications such as kernicterus. Diagnostic methods include measurement of serum bilirubin levels and clinical assessment of the jaundice pattern. Treatment may involve phototherapy to reduce bilirubin levels and, in more severe cases, exchange transfusion. A comprehensive understanding of the causes, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal jaundice is crucial for effective management and improving clinical outcomes in newborns.