Near East University Hospital Child Health and Diseases Department Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit stated that in the neonatal jaundice is seen among 60% of term-born babies and in 80% of premature babies, and the disease usually resolves spontaneously in 7-10 days without any treatment. However, in some cases, bilirubin reaches high levels and may cause brain damage, therefore, early Diagnosis of jaundice in newborn babies and follow-up is very important.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit; "Pathological Jaundice is a condition that occurs often just after birth and should be taken seriously."
Indicating that jaundice is caused by the increase in the level of the substance called "Bilirubin" in blood, which gives the skin a yellow color and accumulation in the skin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit stated that it is seen in 60% of term babies and 80% of preterm babies.

"Jaundice; it is classified in two groups as physiological and pathological jaundice. It is decided whether the jaundice is pathological or not by testing the bilirubin level considering the birth week of the baby, and the risks.", said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit, and added that physiological jaundice occurs 2-4. days after birth and usually recovered spontaneously in 7-10 days without requiring any treatment.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit continued as follows: “Pathological jaundice is a condition that often occurs immediately after birth and should be taken seriously. This type of jaundice can occur due to some infections in the womb, blood type incompatibilities between the mother and the baby, the drugs used by the mother, or some congenital diseases of the baby."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit; "Although jaundice often disappears by itself, in some cases, it can cause brain damage."
Stating that jaundice mostly disappears by itself, however, in some cases, bilirubin can reach high levels and cause brain damage. For this reason, Zeynep Cerit emphasized that early diagnosis and follow-up of jaundice in newborn babies is very important. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit stated that the blood-brain barrier is not yet completed in the first 10 days of life, and therefore, it is extremely important for newborns with jaundice to be followed-up by the doctor, especially in the first ten days, as the excessively increased bilirubin will accumulate in the brain and cause serious damage in this area if the level of jaundice rises and treatment is delayed. Cerit also stated that it may cause the formation of (Kernicterus Disease).

“As bilirubin rises in the blood, it makes the baby sleep. A baby with jaundice does not want to suck, wants to sleep. In this case, as bilirubin excretion decreases due to the decrease in nutrition, the level rises even more and a vicious cycle occurs.", said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit and stated that if the bilirubin level increases too much and affects the brain, the condition of the baby may worsen and cause crying with a high-pitched voice and having a convulsion.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit: "Appropriate treatment of jaundice in right hands is a must"
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeynep Cerit stated that the appropriate treatment of jaundice is of great importance for the neurological development of babies and that neonatal intensive care specialists are available 24/7 at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Near East University Hospital, and the latest technologies and techniques are available for premature babies and term babies with problems, and that care is provided with internationally accepted treatment models and treatment services.