Clinical Practice Guidelines: ED Neonatal Jaundice

CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES (FULL LIST)

ED Neonatal Jaundice (CPG)

Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition that affects approximately 60% of newborn infants and is one of the top three causes of hospital readmission in neonates in the US. While low levels of bilirubin are not harmful to the neonate, high levels of bilirubin can lead to bilirubin induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND). Long-term sequelae include cerebral palsy, auditory dysfunction, visual impairment, decreased intellectual function and, in the most severe cases, death. Phototherapy decreases the risk for BIND as well as the need for exchange transfusion. Given that hyperbilirubinemia is a common presentation to the hospital, and one which requires swift treatment, it is important that the emergency department be prepared to triage infants and treat this complaint efficiently.

Committee

  • Contact: Hannah Smith, MD
  • Emily Ashton-Morris, MD
  • Leslie Burton, DO
  • Donald Arnold, MD, MPH