PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Jaundice occurs quite often in newborns. The baby develops what appears to be a tan. It has been estimated that more than two-thirds of newborns develop jaundice.
So, why do doctors worry about it so much? Jaundice is the result of too much bilirubin, and if bilirubin levels get very high, there can be brain damage.
Fortunately, brain damage occurs only once in about every 100,000 cases.
As far as treatment, light therapy can help, and the liver starts to mature in the first few days of life.
Bilirubin is processed and excreted in the stool and urine. Some newborns may have other issues causing this, but routine testing can help alert doctors and they can begin other treatments.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
