Neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice, also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, refers to the yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera, and other organs caused by elevated bilirubin levels due to abnormal bilirubin metabolism exceeding the body's metabolic capacity during the neonatal period. It is the most common clinical problem in newborns. It can be divided into two categories: physiological and pathological. Physiological jaundice generally resolves spontaneously, while pathological jaundice requires different treatments depending on the specific condition. Due to the unique characteristics of bilirubin metabolism in newborns, approximately 60% of full-term infants and over 80% of premature infants may develop physiological jaundice 2-5 days after birth, making it a common clinical symptom during the neonatal period.