Prolonged jaundice in neonates

Abstract

Jaundice is common in the neonatal period and is primarily considered to be physiological, due to the breakdown of haemoglobin. It is considered to be prolonged if it lasts more than 2 weeks in full-term babies (or more than 3 weeks in preterm babies) and is fairly commonly seen by health visitors. Most babies with prolonged neonatal jaundice have the condition due to breast milk; however, serious pathologies are sometimes seen and health visitors should consider these when assessing babies with prolonged jaundice. This article suggests some useful tools to help health visitors to decide which babies may be safely managed in the community without being put through invasive tests. Detection of red-flag symptoms should initiate an urgent referral to paediatric services for further management. As mothers of babies with breast-milk jaundice are at risk of giving up breastfeeding, they will usually require support and encouragement following an investigation for prolonged neonatal jaundice.