Neonatal jaundice - Strategies to reduce bilirubin-induced complications

Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is the most common reason for hospital readmiss ion in the first 2 weeks of life. Kernicterus is still relatively uncommon but has been on the rise with the institution in the 1990s of aggressive ea rly postnatal discharge policies. Bilirubin-induced complications can be pr evented by instituting a neonatal jaundice protocol to identify infants at risk for significant hyperbilirubinemia, by ensuring adequate parental educ ation and preparedness, and by implementing a good neonatal tracking system for follow-up care. Hyperbilirubinemia is easily treated with phototherapy , which can be administered at home in selected infants.