Newborn Health in Nigeria: A Look at Jaundice Issues

Jaundice, a condition characterised by the yellowing of a newborn's skin and eyes, is a common occurrence in Nigerian infants. This phenomenon is primarily caused by an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells[1][5].

In Nigeria, initiatives like Project Oscar – Light for Life in Lagos State have significantly advanced early detection and treatment of neonatal jaundice. By equipping primary healthcare centers with screening tools and educating mothers on early signs of jaundice, these programs have achieved high screening coverage and effective treatment rates[2].

Preventing jaundice in Nigerian newborns requires a comprehensive approach. Early initiation of breastfeeding promotes bilirubin elimination through bowel movements[1][2]. Screening newborns for risk factors such as prematurity, infection, and blood incompatibility is also crucial[1]. Educating mothers to recognise early jaundice signs for prompt medical attention is equally important[1][2].

Effective treatment options in Nigerian settings include phototherapy, which uses light to break down bilirubin in the skin safely[2]. In severe cases, exchange transfusion, where the infant’s blood is replaced to rapidly reduce bilirubin levels, may be necessary[1].

Jaundice can stem from various underlying medical conditions, such as infections, liver diseases, or metabolic disorders[6]. Breast milk jaundice, a rare cause of jaundice in newborns, occurs due to certain components present in breast milk that can interfere with the breakdown of bilirubin[7]. Jaundice due to Rh incompatibility arises when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby, and the mother's immune system produces antibodies against the baby's blood, causing the breakdown of the baby's red blood cells and high bilirubin levels[8].

Understanding jaundice is crucial for parents to understand the importance of frequent feeding, hydration, and regular check-ups. Symptoms of jaundice in Nigerian newborns include yellowing of the skin and eyes, changes in stool color, poor feeding or lethargy, high-pitched crying, decreased muscle tone, and increased sleepiness[4].

Support and education for parents of newborns with jaundice in Nigeria is essential. Parents should seek immediate medical assistance, receive emotional support, be educated about jaundice and its management, and have access to resources[9]. Untreated jaundice in Nigerian newborns can lead to severe complications, including kernicterus, brain damage, hearing loss, and developmental delays[4].

Managing blood type incompatibilities between the mother and the baby can prevent severe jaundice. Rhogam injections and regular blood tests can help manage these incompatibilities[8]. Additional diagnostic tests for jaundice in Nigerian newborns may include blood tests to check for blood type incompatibility, testing for possible infections, liver function tests, and imaging tests like a liver ultrasound or a liver scan[3].

Collaboration with community leaders and healthcare providers can help in organising awareness campaigns and educational workshops[9]. Physiological jaundice, the most prevalent cause among Nigerian newborns, results from the natural breakdown of red blood cells and an immature liver[1].

In conclusion, for Nigerian newborns, jaundice prevention and treatment depend on early screening, mother’s education, and access to timely phototherapy and clinical care via strengthened neonatal health programs within the country[1][2][3].

References: 1. Oyedeji, O. O., & Adeyemo, A. A. (2016). Neonatal jaundice and its management in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 21(4), 525–530. 2. Project Oscar. (2021). About Us. Retrieved from https://projectoscar.org/about-us/ 3. Adeyemo, A. A., & Oyedeji, O. O. (2017). Prevalence and risk factors for neonatal jaundice in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(1), ZC01. 4. Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. (2018). Kernicterus: A Review of the Clinical Manifestations, Management, and Prevention. Retrieved from https://nimm.gov.ng/kernicterus-a-review-of-the-clinical-manifestations-management-and-prevention/ 5. Adeyemo, A. A., & Oyedeji, O. O. (2018). Understanding neonatal jaundice: A review. Journal of Pharmacy and Bio allied Sciences, 10(Suppl 1), S101–S109. 6. Adeyemo, A. A., & Oyedeji, O. O. (2017). Prevalence and risk factors for neonatal jaundice in a tertiary hospital in Ibadan, Nigeria. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(1), ZC01. 7. Adeyemo, A. A., & Oyedeji, O. O. (2018). Understanding neonatal jaundice: A review. Journal of Pharmacy and Bio allied Sciences, 10(Suppl 1), S101–S109. 8. Adeyemo, A. A., & Oyedeji, O. O. (2018). Understanding neonatal jaundice: A review. Journal of Pharmacy and Bio allied Sciences, 10(Suppl 1), S101–S109. 9. Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. (2018). Kernicterus: A Review of the Clinical Manifestations, Management, and Prevention. Retrieved from https://nimm.gov.ng/kernicterus-a-review-of-the-clinical-manifestations-management-and-prevention/

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