What follow-up is recommended for infants discharged with jaundice after initial assessment?

For infants discharged with jaundice after initial assessment, follow-up should include urgent measurement and recording of the serum bilirubin level within 6 hours for babies over 24 hours old with suspected or obvious jaundice ¹.

Repeat bilirubin measurements should be performed every 6 hours until the level is below the treatment threshold or stable and falling ¹.

Babies with visible jaundice in the first 24 hours should have serum bilirubin measured urgently (within 2 hours) and continue to be monitored closely ¹.

Additionally, clinical review and assessment for underlying causes should be arranged, especially if bilirubin levels are high or rising rapidly ¹.

Key References

• CG98 - Jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days