What causes pathological jaundice in the newborn?

Pathologic jaundice is the most serious type of jaundice. It occurs within 24 hours after birth, and is characterized by a rapid rise in a baby’s bilirubin level. The most likely cause is blood incompatibility or liver disease. Prompt medical attention is necessary, and blood transfusions may be required.

When does pathologic jaundice occur?

Jaundice is considered pathologic if it presents within the first 24 hours after birth, the total serum bilirubin level rises by more than 5 mg per dL (86 mol per L) per day or is higher than 17 mg per dL (290 mol per L), or an infant has signs and symptoms suggestive of serious illness.

Is pathological jaundice common in newborns?

Infant jaundice occurs because the baby’s blood contains an excess of bilirubin (bil-ih-ROO-bin), a yellow pigment of red blood cells. Infant jaundice is a common condition, particularly in babies born before 38 weeks’ gestation (preterm babies) and some breast-fed babies.

What is the treatment for pathological jaundice of newborn?

If bilirubin levels necessitate it, treatment for jaundice involves phototherapy and/or exchange transfusion of donor blood. In cases of pathological jaundice the underlying cause must also be treated. Parental involvement is important to minimise the trauma of having a sick baby and its effect on bonding.

What are the pathological causes of jaundice?

Some causes of pathological jaundice include:

• an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) (where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones)
• blood group incompatibility (when the mother and baby have different blood types, which are mixed during the pregnancy or the birth)

How can I tell if my baby jaundice is getting worse?

Call your doctor or nurse call line now or seek immediate medical care if: Your baby’s yellow tint gets brighter or deeper. Your baby is arching his or her back and has a shrill, high-pitched cry. Your baby seems very sleepy, is not eating or nursing well, or does not act normally.

What percentage of babies are born with jaundice?

Jaundice is a common occurrence in newborn babies, effecting approximately 60 percent of all babies born. Newborns that have jaundice have a yellowish appearance to their skin.

What level of jaundice is normal for a newborn?

In a newborn, higher bilirubin is normal due to the stress of birth. Normal indirect bilirubin would be under 5.2 mg/dL within the first 24 hours of birth. But many newborns have some kind of jaundice and bilirubin levels that rise above 5 mg/dL within the first few days after birth.

What do you need to know about newborn jaundice?

These are some of the factors that may increase your baby’s chance of getting jaundice: If you’re breastfeeding your baby and he isn’t nursing about 8 to 12 times per day. If your baby was born prematurely. If you and your baby have what is called ABO incompatibility. If your baby was delivered via vacuum extraction.

How is jaundice diagnosed in a baby?

To check for infant jaundice, press gently on your baby’s forehead or nose. If the skin looks yellow where you pressed, it’s likely your baby has mild jaundice. If your baby doesn’t have jaundice, the skin color should simply look slightly lighter than its normal color for a moment.