REVIEW OF NEONATAL JAUNDICE AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Jaundice is the most common finding during neonatal period. It is observed during the 1st week of life in approximately 60% of term infant and 80% of preterm infants. Level of serum bilirubin is not raised that much so as to cause fatal brain damage. It is the most common disease during neonatal period occurring mostly due to increased hemolysis, decreased hepatic clearance, enterohepatic circulation, immaturity, blood group incompatibility and infections. Its management includes 1] Phototherepy 2] Exchange transfusion are two major effective therapeutic modalities available today. Additional options include Pharmacotherapy in the form of phenobarbital and high dose intravenous immunoglobulin.