Symptoms of Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice, scientifically referred to as hyperbilirubinemia, presents various symptoms in affected individuals, including infants. Key indicators include:
- Yellowing of the skin and the sclera (the white part of the eyes), typically beginning at the upper body and gradually spreading downward.
- Darkening of the urine color.
- Lightening of the stool color.
- Itching sensations.
- Fever.
- General fatigue and malaise.
- Weight loss.
- Abdominal pain.
Complications of Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice can lead to several complications, which are detailed as follows:
Kernicterus
Kernicterus is a potential complication associated with jaundice, characterized as a form of brain damage that can be prevented. Symptoms indicative of this condition include dizziness, lethargy, fever, feeding difficulties in infants, excessive and uncontrollable crying, abnormal eye movements, muscle spasms, and general stiffness throughout the body. Notably, symptoms tend to worsen as the child ages, potentially leading to seizures, hearing impairments, and enamel discoloration of the teeth.
Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy
Elevated bilirubin levels in the bloodstream, a leading cause of jaundice, can result in other severe complications if left untreated, such as acute bilirubin encephalopathy. This condition occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the brain, posing a toxicity risk to its cells. Immediate treatment is crucial to prevent long-term adverse effects. Symptoms of acute bilirubin encephalopathy may include:
- Lethargy.
- Fever.
- Poor feeding or breastfeeding.
- Difficulty waking up.
- High-pitched crying.
- Arching of the neck and body backward.