Management of neonatal jaundice.

Jaundice is the most commonly encountered neonatal clinical problem; 80 percent of neonates become clinically jaundiced, while 5 percent develop serum bilirubin levels above currently recommended treatment standards. This article outlines theories about the pathophysiology of neonatal jaundice and presents a logical approach to its management. First, the health care provider must distinguish between physiologic, exaggerated and pathologic jaundice. The treatment modalities of exchange transfusion, phototherapy and cessation of nursing are discussed.