A leading medical Academy may scrap its guidance on treating jaundice in newborns because it contains the phrase 'black race' — despite warnings it is harder to spot the condition in babies of African descent.
The American Academy of Pediatrics currently lists being black as a risk factor for the condition, which triggers a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
But as part of its mission to purge the catalogue of 'race-based' language, the academy told DailyMail.com it was reviewing the 20-page guidance and aimed to retire it 'as expeditiously as possible', and within this year.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns jaundice may be harder to recognize in black infants because of their darker skin color.
It tells doctors to check gums or inner lips for the condition, and test black infants for the condition if they are concerned.
It was not clear whether the paper would be replaced, but last year guidelines on treating urinary tract infections that were retired for containing the phrase 'non-black race' were not re-instated.
The AAP yesterday committed to scrutinize its 'entire catalogue' for 'race-based' language, including guidelines, educational materials, textbooks and newsletter articles.
The American Academy of Pediatrics is on a mission to purge its catalogue of 'race-based language'. It is currently reviewing guidance for treating jaundice in newborns, which contains the phrase 'black race'. This is despite the CDC warning these babies are more at risk
Jaundice is one of the most common conditions that can affect newborns with about six in ten developing it every year, estimates suggest.
Most youngsters are checked for the condition within 72 hours of being born, although it is normally harmless to them.
It is triggered by the build-up of bilirubin — a yellow substance made when red blood cells are broken down — in the bloodstream.
This is more likely to affect infants because they have more red blood cells
