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Warning-sign checks

Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if your baby has a seizure, stops breathing, is unresponsive, becomes very floppy or stiff, has abnormal repetitive movements, or develops marked backward arching with a high-pitched cry.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the newborn care team promptly if your baby looks yellow, especially if the yellow color is increasing, spreading toward the legs, or appearing during the first 24 hours after birth.

    A bilirubin test may be needed even when the baby otherwise seems well.

    Seek urgent same-day medical care if your baby:

    • Is much sleepier than usual or difficult to wake
    • Is feeding poorly or has a weak suck
    • Has fewer wet diapers than expected
    • Develops dark urine or pale, chalk-colored stool
    • Has worsening jaundice after discharge
    • Still has jaundice beyond the follow-up period given by the care team

    Routine bilirubin rechecks are different from urgent care.

    Keep scheduled tests even if the yellow color appears to improve.

    Seek urgent help between appointments if concerning symptoms develop.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Transient familial hyperbilirubinemia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.