First module: Jaundice (aka high bilirubin in babies) overview

Learn what makes bilirubin high in babies, how the current paradigm treats high bilirubin, and the potential risks of sticking with the status quo and phototherapy

There are a few, very rare conditions that can cause disease-driven newborn jaundice. These are severe problems—true diseases. These are not easy to test for. 

Pathological jaundice (as opposed to physiological jaundice) will be covered in future modules.

First, let’s dig in to the current model of physiological newborn jaundice knowledge and care.

Is a baby in yellow a cause to panic? Very rarely!

Newborn jaundice is usually caused by one or more of the following scenarios:

1. Constipation/lack of hydration causing slowed bilirubin elimination through the baby’s urine and feces

2. Overly rapid turnover of blood cells in the baby (this can indicate a problem of the circadian rhythm which should control cell growth and death)

3. Immature liver from a baby who was born prematurely before the liver was mature

4. Incompatible maternal blood in the baby’s circulation from birth 

The last scenario (number 4) usually resolves itself quickly. Here's what happens: sometimes more than usual amount of maternal bloo…