Causes of neonatal jaundice

Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Neonatal jaundice is generally divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is usually considered a normal phenomenon, where the baby's jaundice can naturally recede without much impact on the baby. If it is pathological jaundice, it means that the jaundice level is high, indicating a pathological condition. Pathological jaundice can be further divided into several types, the most common being elevated direct bilirubin and elevated indirect bilirubin, each with different causes. Common causes of jaundice include increased indirect bilirubin due to infections, hemolysis, and mother-infant blood type incompatibility, such as ABO incompatibility where the mother is type O and the baby is not, or the mother has HR-negative blood and the baby has HR-positive blood. Other factors include reduced thyroid function, enzyme deficiencies such as G6PD deficiency, various types of bleeding like gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial bleeding, or asphyxia at birth. Conditions like hypoxia or acidosis in the baby can also lead to increased jaundice. Additionally, liver function damage due to viral infections like hepatitis B, cytomegalovirus, and other infectious diseases such as syphilis, as well as other viruses like rubella virus and herpes virus can elevate jaundice levels. Developmental abnormalities of the biliary tract, commonly biliary atresia or congenital bile duct dilation, can cause elevated conjugated bilirubin levels. The causes of jaundice are complex, and some causes might remain unidentified. However, if the baby's general condition is good and the jaundice is manageable, it generally does not affect the baby. If jaundice levels are high, it is advised to visit a hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's specific condition to determine if treatment is needed.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
1min 4sec home-news-image

Is neonatal jaundice seriously high?

Neonatal jaundice is a common phenomenon in the neonatal period, divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. If it is pathological jaundice and there is no active intervention, the continuous increase of jaundice can significantly affect the baby. There might be severe sequelae, such as a significant rise in indirect bilirubin, which could lead to bilirubin encephalopathy, affecting the normal function of his nervous system, leading to abnormalities in hearing or cognitive and motor development delays. In severe cases, it could even lead to the baby's death. If conjugated bilirubin is elevated, there might be abnormalities in liver function. If not promptly treated, there could be liver damage or failure, which in severe cases may also threaten the baby's life. Therefore, it is advisable to seek prompt medical attention and treatment if jaundice levels are high.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Neonatal jaundice is divided into several types.

Neonatal jaundice, also known as neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, occurs when bilirubin accumulates in the body, causing yellowing of the skin or other organs; it is the most common clinical issue during the neonatal period, with over 80% of normal newborns experiencing some skin yellowing shortly after birth. Neonatal jaundice is mainly divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice is a normal phenomenon. Pathological jaundice, however, includes conditions such as excessive production of bilirubin, metabolic disorders of bilirubin, bile excretion disorders, and various other factors causing pathological jaundice. Thus, pathological jaundice requires active treatment and will not subside on its own.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Will neonatal jaundice recur?

Neonatal jaundice is a common symptom during the newborn period. It can be a symptom of normal growth and development or an indication of certain diseases. Jaundice is divided into physiological and pathological jaundice. Physiological jaundice generally appears two to three days after birth, reaches its peak around four to five days, and subsides around ten days. Generally, the duration of jaundice in babies does not exceed two weeks, and the situation is usually manageable. Once physiological jaundice has subsided, it does not recur. If jaundice reappears after it has completely resolved, it is necessary to be cautious as it may indicate pathological jaundice. In such cases, it is advisable to visit the hospital where doctors can conduct relevant tests based on the baby's condition. If it is confirmed that the pathological jaundice needs treatment, it is recommended to intervene and treat it early.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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When does neonatal jaundice go away?

Neonatal jaundice is a common phenomenon in the newborn period, with 80% of full-term infants visibly exhibiting jaundice. Jaundice is divided into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. In full-term infants, physiological jaundice generally lasts about two weeks and ordinarily subsides within that time. For preterm infants, it typically does not last more than four weeks. However, if the jaundice progresses quickly, appears early, and is severe, reaching pathological levels, intervention and treatment are necessary. The duration of jaundice can vary depending on the baby’s condition. Without intervention, the duration of jaundice may be prolonged. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly monitor jaundice and actively intervene with treatment if abnormalities are present.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How long is the incubation period for neonatal jaundice?

Neonatal jaundice is the most common phenomenon in the neonatal period, especially in early neonates, which refers to newborns within the first week of life. About 80% of full-term infants can visually exhibit signs of jaundice. Jaundice can be categorized into physiological jaundice and pathological jaundice. Typically, physiological jaundice appears about two to three days after birth. If it is pathological jaundice, it may appear earlier, possibly within the first twenty-four hours after birth. Generally, if the jaundice appears early, progresses quickly, and is severe, it is necessary to intervene and treat promptly.