Narrative review of the epidemiology of neonatal jaundice

Neonatal jaundice (NJ) is one of the most common causes for medical intervention in the newborn period. While transitory hyperbilirubinemia (HB) is present in almost all newborns, detection of jaundice requires a trained observer and good lighting. Thus, jaundice in the newborn has a reported incidence between 60% to more than 90%. Bilirubin, the molecule that causes the color of jaundice, is the end product of disassembly of heme-containing molecules, primarily hemoglobin. Therefore, conditions that increase hemolysis will increase bilirubin production and cause jaundice. Common conditions in the newborn are blood group incompatibilities and congenital hemolytic anemias. A family history of NJ increases the likelihood of jaundice in the present newborn, and is one of several examples of genetic conditions that contribute. Endocrine and metabolic conditions contribute, the most common being maternal diabetes.