Neonatal Transient Jaundice
Neonatal Transient Jaundice Causes
Neonatal jaundice can be caused by two factors: * Breakdown of fetal hemoglobin during replacement of adult hemoglobin * Relatively immature hepatic metabolic pathways, which are unable to conjugate leading to rapid bilirubin excretion similar with adults. Other causes of neonatal jaundice are the following: * Biliary atresia * Bile duct paucity * Alagilles's Syndrome * Alpha 1 * Other pediatric liver diseases * Rh incompatibility- wherein the mother's blood type is incompatible with the blood of the fetus, when this happen the antigens in the mother's blood will destroy the red blood cells of the fetus.
Neonatal Transient Jaundice Definition
Neonatal Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin and other tissues of a newborn infant due to accumulation of indirect unconjugated bilirubin in the skin. This is the result of an overall increase in the total bilirubin in the blood.
Neonatal Transient Jaundice Diagnosis
Diagnostic procedures include: CBC, red cell fragility test, reticulocyte count, chemistry panel, urinalysis, flat plate of the abdomen, sedimentation rate, and diagnosis of the signs and symptoms.
Neonatal Transient Jaundice Symptoms and Signs
The main characteristic manifested by infants born with neonatal transient jaundice is yellowish color of skin and eyes.
Neonatal Transient Jaundice Treatment
Newborns with neonatal jaundice are treated with phototherapy; treatment by using colored light for the purpose of breaking down bilirubin.