Neonatal Jaundice and Prevention of Bilirubin Encephalopathy

Abstract

The physician should be alert to the development of jaundice in the newborn infant. A high concentration of serum bilirubin may cause injury to the brain. Blood group incompatibility, infection, hepatitis or congenital anomalies of the biliary tree may result in the development of jaundice. Other less well-known factors also may be responsible. At present, replacement transfusion is the only satisfactory treatment.