An important relationship between bilirubin and injury to the neonatal central nervous system (CNS) has been recognized for many years. The first comprehensive description of the most overt form of bilirubin encephalopathy (i.e., kernicterus) was provided by Schmorl in 1903.…
Care of the high-risk neonate usually refers to care of the low-birth-weight infant or the sick term newborn. Although hyperbilirubinemia is certainly a matter of concern in these infants, the decisions that must be made regarding jaundice in the high-risk…
Key Points Early clinical jaundice or rapidly developing hyperbilirubinemia is often a sign of hemolysis, the differential diagnosis of which commonly includes immune-mediated disorders, red cell enzyme deficiencies, and red cell membrane defects. Knowledge of the maternal blood type and…