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What to know when newborn jaundice does not go away

Most newborn jaundice is not biliary atresia. But persistent jaundice—especially with pale stools or dark urine—should be evaluated promptly.

Parents receiving information from their newborn's clinician

You do not have to interpret this alone

Color changes can be hard to judge, especially under different lighting. If your baby’s skin or eyes remain yellow, stools look unusually pale, or urine is dark, contact your child’s clinician and describe exactly what you see.

Take a photo of an unusual diaper in natural light if possible. Your clinician may ask about feeding, growth, stool and urine color, and when the jaundice began.

Act promptly

Call your pediatrician promptly if jaundice persists beyond two weeks or if stools are pale, gray, white, or clay-colored. Do not wait for a routine future appointment if you are concerned.

What may happen next

Evaluation in plain language

1

Blood tests

Direct or conjugated bilirubin and other liver tests help the team determine whether bile flow may be impaired.

2

Imaging and specialist review

Ultrasound and other tests may be used while pediatric liver and surgical specialists evaluate the full picture.

3

Additional evidence

Depending on the center, the team may consider biomarkers such as MMP-7 and other procedures to help guide next steps.

Questions to ask the care team

  • Has direct or conjugated bilirubin been measured?
  • Should my baby be evaluated by a pediatric liver specialist?
  • What tests are being considered, and what will each test tell us?
  • How quickly should the next step happen?
  • Whom should I call if symptoms change?

If MMP-7 is discussed

MMP-7 is a protein that can be measured in blood. Research shows it may add useful information when clinicians are evaluating an infant for biliary atresia.

An MMP-7 value is not a diagnosis by itself. The meaning depends on the specific test, the infant’s age and condition, and the rest of the evaluation.

Learn more about MMP-7

Please remember

This website cannot evaluate your child

Dx4Liver does not provide individual medical advice, interpret laboratory results, arrange patient testing, or accept specimens. Contact your child’s healthcare team for personal guidance.