Prolonged jaundice in newborns is a common condition that affects many infants: A case study

This study aimed to evaluate prolonged jaundice in a newborn. A 30-day-old infant (male) with a bilirubin level of 8 mg/dL at birth, which increased to 11.0 mg/dL on day 10, was treated with phenobarbital. By day 29, the bilirubin level had risen to 11.3 mg/dL, but the direct bilirubin remained below 0.2 mg/dL. Phototherapy was administered from day 10 to day 29. The infant has blood group A+. On day 29, treatment with phenobarbital was discontinued due to increase liver enzymes and hyperthyroidism. Phenobarbital acts on liver cells to increase liver enzyme levels, particularly alanine aminotransferase, and has also resulted in an increase in T4 release without affecting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. The patient's complete blood count (CBC) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) tests were normal, and alkaline phosphatase level were within the reference range. Phenobarbital is often used to treat unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, but it should be used cautiously as it may have side effects on the liver and thyroid hormone levels. Monitoring jaundice in infants and considering alternative treatments when needed is essential. Further research is required to understand the long-term effects of phenobarbital exposure and identify alternative treatment options for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.