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What Causes Yellow Tinge In The Cornea Of A New Born Baby?

Posted on Sat, 17 Jan 2015

Question: Hello - my wife just delivered a baby boy on 26th dec. And I have a bunch of questions:

1- he developed an yellow tinge (under the eyes, in the cornea of the eye and the urine is yellowish) since yesterday. We did phototherapy for 2-3 hours yesterday in the hospital and got discharged. Now, we are resorting to sunlight exposure (morning only) but he still has the yellow tinge. Question: what can be done to get him better? can we keep him in mild sunlight in the late evenings (just before sunset also)? is a test for bilirubin needed immediately? what else can be done for the baby or the mom to help him recover soon.

2- since yesterday, he has been sleeping long between meals (3-4 hours). I hear this is normal when the baby has developed jaundice. But it is a little difficult to wake him up also. He seems very tired and sleepy. Is this considered normal? What else can be done to ensure he is fed atleast every 2 hours or sooner.

3- he has been passing very few times since his birth - around 3-4 times each day. is this normal output? also, his motions have been minimal since day 3 or so. is this normal too?

let me know if you need anything else to answer the above questions.

Thanks,
XXXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs revisit to check for jaundice, let me know the values

Detailed Answer:

Hi
Thanks for writing to us.

1. Most of the newborn babies develop jaundice by day 2 to 4 and this settles in a few days.
There can be multiple causes including normal liver maturation, blood group incompatibility, etc.
There is no reason to worry as the jaundice will settle if physiological.
Can you let me know his bilirubin levels taken in the hospital before discharge?

It is better to show him again tomorrow to get his jaundice reassessed because sometimes jaundice levels rise after phototherapy is stopped.

Sunlight may not be of much help in jaundice. But it will help in vitamin d. 8 to 11 am is the ideal time. Don’t expose more than 15 minutes.

Ensure frequent feeding (mother should drink plenty of milk and juices and water) and good urine output this will make jaundice go away quicker.
No medicines are required as of now.

2. Sleeping is normal. But it is better to get him checked when you follow-up for jaundice assessment. Try waking up gently after 3 hours of sleep.

3. Urine output needs to be more than 6 times daily. Increase frequency of feeds. Increase liquid intake for mother. Try formula if breast milk output is less .
4. Motions will become less frequent, yes this is normal.

Wishing your baby good health

Regards
DR Arun

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Arun (6 hours later)

Thanks so much doctor.

#1- For some reason, the hospital did not check the bilirubin levels before discharge. I plan to get this checked first thing in the morning. If you don't mind, I would like to keep this thread open until I get the values and have it checked with you.

#2- the output of mother's milk is indeed low. when you say 'try a formula', do you mean a formula for the mother to increase breast milk output? If so, do you have a recommendation? please advice.

I forgot to ask a question earlier, he sneezes occasionally (few times a day) but does not have any discomfort. Is this normal or should I be concerned?

Thanks again for your help.

Thanks,
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Arun (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Formula for baby like 'Nan Pro' or 'Similac'

Detailed Answer:
Hi
1. No problem, let me know the values once you get them.

2. By formula I meant infant formulas like nan pro or similac.

For mother routine cows milk and juices along with plenty of water will help.

3. Sneezing is normal in newborn babies. If he is otherwise comfortable, no need to worry or to give any medicines

Regards
DR XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Thanks doctor, i will post an update as soon as i get the test results.

Answered by Dr. Arun (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
sure do let me know

Detailed Answer:
Sure
Do let me know
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Arun (26 hours later)

Doctor - please see attached the total bilirubin values and advise. I actually took another test for TSH - if you don't mind, can you please take a look at that and let me know also?

Thank you so much.

XXXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
normal

Detailed Answer:
Both values are normal
No need for any treatment.
Bilirubin value will come down slowly. It might take a month.
It is physiological
And within normal range.
Regards
Dr Arun

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju