New Born Jaundice

Hepatic excretory capacity is low both because of low concentrations of the binding protein ligandin in the hepatocytes and because of low activity of glucuronyl transferase, the enzyme responsible for binding bilirubin to glucuronic acid, thus making bilirubin water soluble (conjugation).A blood transfusion, known as an exchange transfusion, may be recommended if your baby has particularly high levels of bilirubin

Hepatiic excretory capacity is low both because of low concentrations of the binding protein ligandin in the hepatocytes and because of low activity of glucuronyl transferase, the enzyme responsible for binding bilirubin to glucuronic acid, thus making bilirubin water soluble (conjugation).More than 25 percent of all healthy, full-term newborns become slightly jaundiced, usually on the third or fourth day of life. In premature babies theincidence of jaundice is higher. The exact level of bilirubin in the blood is determined by a simple blood test.