Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia Essay
Over the past few decades, the topic of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia or neonatal jaundice has been a hot issue of debate among researchers and medical experts. As evidence shows, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia occurs in most newborn infants during the first weeks of life (approximately 60 per cents of full-term and 80 per cents of preterm). Researchers state that neonatal hyperbilirubinemia “results from higher rates of bilirubin production… and a limited ability to excrete it…” (Toy, et al., 2015, p. 36) Full-term babies with physiologic hyperbilirubinemia often experience the highest bilirubin rates of “5 to 6 mg/dL between the second and fourth days of life” (Toy, et al., 2015, p. 38) At the beginning, Baby’s face is turning yellow and later the process affects the chest, abdomen, and feet. Because of the potential toxicity of bilirubin production (low risk, low intermediate risk, high intermediate risk, high risk) babies must be properly monitored to define possible signs of neonatal jaundice, evaluate the overall patient’s state, properly examine the existing symptoms, and as a result, prevent severe consequences of the disease. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a complicated issue that requires further evaluations and medical interventions. It is crucially important to implement medical protocol assessments in low-risk nurseries to access the possible risk of severe neonatal jaundice in all infants prior to their discharge home. Online monograms assessments allow to define jaundice level, the patient’s possible risks, estimate the likelihood of bilirubin toxicity and concentration, and finally, minimize possible medical errors. Clinicians point out that neonatal hyperbilirubinemia presenting in the first 24 hours of life requires immediate intervention and examination, as unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia can lead to “kernicterus, the signs of which mimic sepsis, asphyxia, hypoglycemia, and intracranial hemorrhage.” (Toy, et al., 2015, p. 38) On the whole, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requires a detailed diagnostic evaluation, phototherapy, and even exchange transfusion for those who do not respond to conservative measures.
References:
Toy, E.C., Hormann, M.D., Yetman, R.J., McNeese, M.C., Lahoti, S.L., Sanders, M.J., & Geltemeyer, A.M. (2015). Case Files: Pediatrics. 5th edition, McGraw-Hill Education/Medical.
