Introduction Neonatal jaundice – also called neonatal icterus or Icterus neonatorum (ancient Greek ikteros = jaundice) – describes the appearance of yellowing of the skin and sclera of the eyes (“sclerae”) of newborns. This yellow coloration is caused by deposits of the decomposition products of the red blood pigment (hemoglobin). The degradation product responsible for … Neonatal jaundice
Symptoms Often – depending on the severity of the jaundice – there is only a visible yellowing of the skin and the sclerae of the newborn without any further symptoms. The yellowing itself is not noticeable to the offspring. This is usually the case with physiological, harmless neonatal jaundice. If, however, for various reasons, massive … Symptoms | Neonatal jaundice
ConsequencesLate consequences A physiological, harmless newborn icterus of light to medium intensity usually heals on its own without any consequences. Therefore, there are no (late) consequences. However, if the bilirubin concentration in the blood exceeds a certain threshold value (Icterus gravis = more than 20 mg/dl), there is a risk that the bilirubin will “cross … ConsequencesLate consequences | Neonatal jaundice
