Reason for Jaundice in an Infant

Infant jaundice is a common condition in newborn babies, especially preterm babies, according to the Mayo Clinic. Jaundice in an infant is caused by the excess buildup of a yellow substance called bilirubin in the blood.

Causes

• Most cases of infant jaundice occur because the liver isn't mature enough to get rid of bilirubin in the blood stream, according to the Mayo Clinic, although it can also be due to other underlying diseases

Significance

• Mild cases of infant jaundice disappear on their own in a matter of weeks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Moderate to severe cases are less common but can be treated noninvasively at the hospital.

Function

• Bilirubin is a normal product of waste that occurs when the red blood cells in the body are broken down. The liver usually processes and eliminates them before the yellow discoloration of the skin known as jaundice occurs.

Effects

• Infant jaundice presents as a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, and usually progresses from the face to the rest of the body, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Prevention/Solution

• Cases of moderate to severe infant jaundice can be treated by light therapy that helps to break down the bilirubin in the blood, or by an intravenous transfer of immunoglobulin (a blood protein), and in rare cases may require a blood transfusion, according to the Mayo Clinic.