Neonatal jaundice is a yellowing of the skin and other tissues of a newborn infant. A bilirubin level of more than 5 mg/dL manifests clinical jaundice in neonates whereas in the adults 2 mg/dL would look icteric. In newborns jaundice is detected by blanching the skin with digital pressure so that it reveals underlying skin and subcutaneous tissue. Jaundice newborns have an apparent icteric sclera, and yellowing of the face, extending down onto the chest. This condition is common in upwards of 70% of newborns.
In neonates the dermal icterus is first noted in the face and as the bilirubin level rises proceeds caudal to the trunk and then to the extremities [1].
Notoriously inaccurate rules of thumb have been applied to the physical exam of the jaundiced infant. Some include estimation of serum bilirubin based on appearance. One such rule of thumb includes infants whose jaundice is restricted to the face and part of the trunk above the umbilicus, have the bilirubin less than 12 mg/dL (less dangerous level). Infants whose palms and soles are yellow, have serum bilirubin level over 15 mg/dL (more serious level).
Today, Faqihah exactly 1 week in the world :) As me & wife both are blood Type O, our baby have the risk of having jaundice. Alhamdulillah, from blood test the result is 4.7 mg/dL.
Blood test at Hospital Kajang
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