Neonatal jaundice is predominantly a benign condition that affects 60%–80% of newborns worldwide but progresses to potentially harmful severe hyperbilirubinaemia in some.

Despite the proven therapeutic benefits of phototherapy for preventing extreme hyperbilirubinaemia, acute bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus, several low-income and middle-income countries continue to report high rates of avoidable exchange transfusions, as well as bilirubin-induced mortality and neurodevelopmental disorders.

A review recently published in ADC examines the contributory factors to the burden of severe hyperbilirubinaemia and kernicterus and provide strategies for improving care.

ADC Global Health editor Nick Brown talks to co-author Tina Slusher, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota & Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, to hear what they suggest.