Hyperbilirubinemia Treatment

Hyperbilirubinemia is known as newborn jaundice, which is a condition caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is created when the body recycles old red blood cells. The liver removes bilirubin from the body in the stool. High levels of bilirubin in a newborn causes the skin, and/or the whites of the eyes, to look yellow.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy is a treatment that is done by placing a baby under a special light while the baby wears only protective eye patches and a diaper. The light is blue-green in color, and works by changing the molecule structure of bilirubin so it can be excreted in the urine and stool. It is used day and night, with frequent changing of the baby's position to expose all of the skin to the light. The physician will draw blood periodically to monitor the bilirubin levels.

Fiberoptic Blanket

The fiberoptic blanket is another form of phototherapy. The blanket is placed under the baby, and used along with the phototherapy light, or it can be used on its own.

Exchange Blood Tranfusion

The purpose of an exchange transfusion is for babies who have severe jaundice, and do not respond to any other treatments. The exchange transfusion is performed in the newborn intensive care unit of the hospital. The baby's blood is withdrawn through a vein or artery, the bilirubin and antibodies from the mother are diluted, and the blood is transferred back into the baby. This may need to be done several times until the bilirubin levels are normal.

Stop Breastfeeding

According to the University of Virginia Health System, about 2 percent of babies who are breastfed will develop jaundice after the first week of life. Some babies may develop jaundice in the first week of life if their calorie intake is inadequate, or if the baby is dehydrated. Breastfeeding is stopped for a day or two, and fed formula. Once the bilirubin levels are normal, breastfeeding can be resumed.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg)

Intravenous immunoglobulin is a protein in the blood that reduces the level of antibodies. Newborn jaundice may be caused by the difference in blood type between the mother and baby. Transferring immunoglobulin decreases the level of bilirubin in the baby's blood, and may also prevent the need for an exchange blood transfusion.