[Pediatrics] Hyperbilirubinemia

Excessive unconjuated bilirubin, a product of RBC breakdown, accumulated in the blood.

=> can cross the blood-brain barrier and cuase neurological dysfunction and brain injury.

=> jaundice, urine that is dark gold or bronxe tinted. 

Treatment

Phototherapy with specialized fluorescent lights that facilitate conversion of unconjugated bilirubin in the skin into a water-soluble form that is excreted through urine and stool.

Opaque blindfold to pretect retina

 

Meconium 태변 (ie, sticky, thick, black/dark green stool) contains high levels of bilirubin that can be reabsorbed if not passed within 48 hours of birth. 

Newborns should have transitional stools (ie, loose, seedy, greenish yellow) by 72 hours after birth. 2 total stools since birth that were black and sticky may indicate inadequate feedings and dehydration, which can worsen hyperbilirubinemia