Jaundice in Newborn Babies

 Jaundice is yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes. Jaundice in newborn babies is very common. Approximately 60 percent of all newborns and 80 percent of all low weight babies develops jaundice. Mostly jaundice is physiological (Normal) which may resolve itself within 1-2 weeks. In some cases physiological jaundice may needs treatment in form of phototherapy only. You should monitor jaundice of your newborn baby for 2weeks at least. 

Second type Jaundice is called Pathological (Non-Physiological) when it is aggressive and persisting for long duration (More than 2weeks). This jaundice is due to different blood groups of mother and newborn (ABO or RH incompatibility or other minor incompatibility), Hypothyroidism, abnormal blood formation in newborn etc. It requires phototherapy or blood exchange or Immunoglobulin infusion as per severity and cause. If jaundice is very high at presentation it can cause brain damage and may leads to permanent mental retardation. 

Third type of jaundice is rare and called Neonatal cholestasis (Conjugated Jaundice). Previous two types of jaundice are unconjugated that mean in those jaundice can't pass through urine normally. Neonatal cholestasis may be due to metabolic, infective or surgical condition. It should be taken seriously and needs to be worked out in early neonatal period..

Location: India

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