Management of Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn Infant

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborn infants, and its management is crucial to prevent severe complications such as kernicterus. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has published guidelines for the management and prevention of hyperbilirubinemia in newborn infants ≥35 weeks’...

• Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, defined as elevated bilirubin levels in newborns (birth to 28 days), requires careful assessment in daylight to differentiate from normal adult bilirubin values. Diagnosis involves clinical observation for jaundice starting from the head and progressing downwards, and confirmation with bilirubin level measurements. Particular attention should be given to yellowing of palms and soles, which indicates high bilirubin levels.