Etiology, Pathophysiology and Management of Neonatal Jaundice: A Review Article

Neonatal jaundice is the most common condition of new babies, with high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Its causes are many, being both genetic and environmental in addition to some pathology. However, better understanding the different causes that complicate jaundice in neonates can aid significantly in proper management and diagnosis before it leads to dire consequences such as neurological damage or even death. The pathophysiology would involve studying how bilirubin is metabolized as well as looking at the genetic and environmental factors play a role clinically. The clinical condition resulting from unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia is neonatal jaundice, one of the most common conditions found in newborns, both term and preterm infants. If left untreated properly, it can develop serious complications leading to kernicterus; damage caused by excessive bilirubin on the brain. This article reviews recent findings related to these issues: etiology of jaundice, mechanisms of bilirubin metabolism, genetic conditions associated with jaundice, and effects hyperbilirubinemia has on neonatal health. It also puts together new study results on how to take care of newborns with jaundice, stressing the importance of quick action, following clinical rules, and finding gaps in knowledge in the present healthcare practices.