Practical application of the new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics on hyperbilirubinemia

Neonatal jaundice is a prevalent issue. Although most cases are physiological and resolve within the first week of life, elevated bilirubin levels can cause brain damage and neurological dysfunction if not treated in a timely manner. Visual assessment of jaundice may lead to misclassification of many newborns. The use of bilirubinometers in primary care improves the early detection of severe cases, allowing for quicker treatment and reducing the risks associated with hyperbilirubinemia.

The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines in 2020, recommending universal screening of newborns in the first few days of life and proposing new treatment thresholds and follow-up intervals for hyperbilirubinemia based on gestational age and the presence or absence of neurotoxicity risk factors. We have developed the following charts based on these recommendations to assist in the management of this condition.