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Published 14 March 2021
Dr Beatrice Ezenwa is a Senior Lecturer and consultant neonatologist with the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. She tells
TOBI AWORINDE
What
is neonatal jaundice?
Jaundice is the yellowish discolouration of the sclera (of the eyes), skin and mucous membranes due to the deposition of bilirubin pigment. Bilirubin is produced when the red blood cells, which carry oxygen in the body, are broken down.
How common is neonatal jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is very common in the newborn period and it affects both term and preterm infants. About 60 per cent of all term newborns and 80 per cent of preterm newborns are jaundiced in the first week of life.