What is jaundice in premature infants or prematurity?

Jaundice in Premature Infants (or Prematurity)

Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow. It is caused by a buildup of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells are broken down.

Jaundice is common in premature infants because their livers are not fully developed and cannot process bilirubin as efficiently as the livers of full-term infants. Premature infants are also more likely to have other conditions that can lead to jaundice, such as:

- Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN): This is a condition in which the mother's immune system attacks the baby's red blood cells, causing them to break down and release bilirubin.

- G6PD deficiency: This is an inherited disorder in which the body does not produce enough of an enzyme that helps red blood cells function properly. This can lead to hemolysis and jaundice.

- Breast milk jaundice: This is a type of jaundice that can occur in breastfed infants. It is caused by a substance in breast milk that can interfere with the liver's ability to process bilirubin.

- Other medical conditions, such as liver disease, gallbladder disease, and certain infections, can also cause jaundice in premature infants.

Treatment of Jaundice in Premature Infants

The treatment for jaundice in premature infants depends on the severity of the condition. Mild jaundice may not require treatment, while more severe jaundice may require phototherapy or exchange transfusion.

- Phototherapy: This treatment involves exposing the infant to special lights that help break down bilirubin. Phototherapy is usually done in the hospital.

- Exchange transfusion: This treatment involves removing some of the infant's blood and replacing it with new blood. Exchange transfusion is usually only necessary for severe jaundice that does not respond to phototherapy.

Outlook for Jaundice in Premature Infants

Most premature infants with jaundice recover completely. However, some infants may develop kernicterus, a condition that can cause brain damage. Kernicterus is rare and is most likely to occur in infants with severe jaundice who do not receive treatment.