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Hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, is a common problem in babies born at or near term. More than 60% of the babies born in the US develop jaundice and it is difficult to tell the difference between that which comes from pathologic sources and that which is physiologic. Knowing that bilirubin may be beneficial as an antioxidant has brought new interest jaundice management. There are new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for management. A number of theories exist on bilirubin production and clearance and on techniques to assess jaundice and care for it as well as to prevent it.