Neonatal jaundice
From Descipher Health
Description:
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Synonyms
fetal jaundice, icterus neonatorum, neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, transient neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, newborn physiologic jaundice
<math>Insert formula here<math>==Cause== Bold textDARNELL IS GAY!!
Population Distribution
Effects
Symptoms
• Yellow discoloring of the skin, whites of the eyes (sclera), and mucus membranes • Dark urine • Nausea • Itching • Light-colored stool (gray or yellow) • Abdominal pain or swelling
Signs
Diagnostic Tests
Differential Diagnosis
Treatment
Since jaundice is a symptom, not a specific disorder, treatment for it depends on its cause. This can range from the removal of gallstones or tumors to antibiotics to treat infections, to liver transplant in cases where the liver is severely damaged. However, for conditions like cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, which are lifelong problems, jaundice may be permanent or recurring. Neonatal jaundice is treated by means of phototherapy. When unconjugated bilirubin is subjected to specific fluorescent light-waves its structure is changed and it becomes water-soluble. This means that the excess can also be cleared in the urine. Whilst undergoing phototherapy the baby's eyes must be protected against the light. The baby must be fed regularly to keep up a good urine output and to prevent dehydration. The baby may have loose stools whilst undergoing phototherapy and may also become "tanned".
