Neonatal jaundice Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn babies About 60% of term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice in the first week of life, and about 10% of breast fed babies are still jaundiced at age i month Neonatal jaundice is generally harmless but high concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin may occasionally cause kernicterus (permanent brain damage)Neonatal jaundice ◼ Neonatal jaundice is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in newborn babies. ◼ About 60% of term and 80% of preterm babies develop jaundice in the first week of life, and about 10% of breast fed babies are still jaundiced at age 1 month. ◼ Neonatal jaundice is generally harmless, but high concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin may occasionally cause kernicterus (permanent brain damage)