Neonatal jaundice
Neonatal Jaundice
Neonatal jaundice (/niːəˈneɪtəl ˈdʒɑːndɪs/), also known as newborn jaundice, is a common condition in newborns, characterized by a yellow coloration of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The condition typically occurs due to high levels of bilirubin, a yellow-orange substance, in the baby's blood.
Etymology
The term "neonatal jaundice" is derived from the Greek words "neos" (new) and "natalis" (birth), and the French word "jaunisse" (yellowness), referring to the yellow color of the skin.
Causes
Neonatal jaundice can be caused by several factors, including:
- Physiological jaundice: This is the most common cause of neonatal jaundice and occurs in more than half of newborns. It is caused by the immaturity of the baby's liver, which leads to a slow processing of bilirubin.
- Breastfeeding jaundice: This type of jaundice can occur when a breastfeeding baby does not get enough breast milk due to difficulty with breastfeeding or because the mother's milk isn't in yet.
- Blood group incompatibility: This occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and baby, leading to increased bilirubin levels.
Symptoms
The most noticeable symptom of neonatal jaundice is a yellow color of the baby's skin and the whites of the eyes. Other symptoms may include poor feeding, lethargy, and changes in muscle tone.
Treatment
Treatment for neonatal jaundice can include phototherapy, where the baby is placed under a special light that helps to break down bilirubin in the skin. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required.
Related Terms
- Bilirubin
- Phototherapy
- Blood transfusion
- Physiological jaundice
- Breastfeeding jaundice
- Blood group incompatibility
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neonatal jaundice
- Wikipedia's article - Neonatal jaundice
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