About Neo Natal Jaundice
Key Highlights
-
Effectively and safely reduces high bilirubin levels to prevent potential brain damage (kernicterus).Non-invasive primary treatment (phototherapy) is painless and well-tolerated by most infants.Prevents serious long-term neurological complications, including hearing loss and cerebral palsy.Standardized protocols ensure timely intervention based on the infant's age and bilirubin levels.Close monitoring by pediatric specialists ensures the baby's overall health and hydration are maintained during treatment.
Who is this surgery for?
- Visible yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (sclera) within the first week of life.
- Bilirubin levels rising above the phototherapy threshold for the infant's age in hours.
- Jaundice appearing within the first 24 hours of life, which requires immediate evaluation.
- Signs of severe jaundice or acute bilirubin encephalopathy (e.g., poor feeding, lethargy, high-pitched crying).
- Jaundice persisting beyond two weeks in a full-term baby or three weeks in a preterm baby.
- Underlying conditions like blood group incompatibility (e.g., Rh or ABO), G6PD deficiency, or infection.
How to prepare
- Pediatrician performs a thorough physical exam to assess the extent of jaundice.
- Blood test (total serum bilirubin or transcutaneous bilirubin measurement) to determine the severity.
- Assessment of the baby's gestational age, weight, and overall health status.
- Identification of any risk factors like prematurity, bruising, or family history.
- Ensuring the baby is well-hydrated, often by encouraging frequent breastfeeding or formula feeding.
- For intensive treatments like exchange transfusion, blood typing and cross-matching are performed.
Risks & possible complications
- Dehydration and mild weight loss if fluid intake is not carefully monitored during phototherapy.
- Skin rash, bronze baby syndrome (a harmless, temporary skin discoloration), or loose stools from phototherapy.
- Rare risks from exchange transfusion include infection, blood clots, electrolyte imbalances, and heart rhythm problems.
- Overheating or eye damage if phototherapy equipment is not used correctly (eye patches are always used).
- The primary risk of untreated severe jaundice is kernicterus, leading to permanent neurological damage.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Bilirubin levels are monitored regularly (every 4-24 hours) until they stabilize and decline.
- Phototherapy is stopped once bilirubin levels fall safely below the treatment threshold.
- Parents are advised to continue frequent feeds to promote hydration and bilirubin excretion.
- A follow-up bilirubin check may be recommended within 24-48 hours after discharge to ensure levels do not rebound.
- Parents are educated on signs of recurring jaundice and when to contact their pediatrician.
- For most infants, no long-term effects are expected after successful treatment.
-
Typical hospital stay: 1-5 days
-
Expected recovery time: 1-3 days after stopping treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering neo natal jaundice in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for neo natal jaundice in India include Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Manipal Hospital Salem, Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform neo natal jaundice. MediFyr helps you compare pediatrics specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for neo natal jaundice compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Neo Natal Jaundice in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pediatrics teams and experience managing patients undergoing neo natal jaundice.
Patient Name: Priya Ali. Age &...
Patient Name: Priya Ali. Age & Background: 4-day-old newborn, first child of young parents, Aftab and Zara, who immigrated from Pakistan two years ago. Symptoms/History: Priya appeared slightly yellow on day 2, which deepened by day 4. She was sleepy and feeding poorly, only latching for short periods. Doctor Recommendation: Pediatrician Dr. Chen diagnosed physiological jaundice but with bilirubin levels rising quickly toward the phototherapy threshold. She recommended immediate in-hospital phototherapy. Treatment Experience: Priya was placed under special blue lights in a warm incubator at the hospital, wearing only a diaper and protective eye patches. Her parents took turns sitting by her side, feeding her every 2-3 hours, and holding her during brief breaks from the lights. Post-Procedure Recovery: After 24 hours, Priya's bilirubin levels dropped significantly. She became more alert, fed vigorously, and her yellow tint faded. She was discharged with a follow-up plan. Emotional Journey: Aftab and Zara were terrified, feeling they had failed their first test as parents. The sight of their tiny daughter under the lights was heartbreaking. However, seeing her rapid improvement and the compassionate care from the nurses transformed their fear into relief and gratitude. They left feeling empowered with knowledge and deeply bonded with their now-healthy daughter.
Pediatrics Specialists for Neo Natal Jaundice
Explore experienced pediatrics specialists who regularly perform neo natal jaundice and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 31 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 19 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 17 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Pediatric Cardiac surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 4 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 20 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 26 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 42 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 35 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 22 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 15 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Pediatrics Specialist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune