Jaundice

Question 1

Definition of Jaundice

Answer 1

A condition in which newborns skin +/- sclerae develops a yellow discolouration.

Question 2

Physiological Jaundice

Answer 2

Caused by newborns having a higher concentration of rbc’s, which when broken down by haemolysis, creates a build up of bilirubin. This means more bilirubin needs to be excreted, which is a big job for a liver that perhaps hasn’t developed properly yet.

Question 3

Pathological Jaundice

Answer 3

Usually becomes prominent within first 24 hours. Causes by blood group incompatibility where maternal antibodies fight against antigen of babies rbc or there is a G6PD deficiency

Question 4

Breast milk jaundice

Answer 4

Refers to jaundice that persists after physiological jaundice subsides. It is seen in otherwise healthy, full term, breast fed babies. Cause is unknown.

Question 5

Breastfeeding jaundice

Answer 5

Refers to when baby doesnt get enough milk.

Question 6

Treatment

Answer 6

Phototherapy - detoxifies bilirubin and encourages excretion. Mask on, 15inches from light, temp 3-6 hrly, alternate baby 4-6hrlt

Sbr check - 4-6 hrs after initiation, 6-12 hrs whilst serum bilirubin level is stable or falling, stop once levels have fallen atleast 50mmol/L below threshold value, check again 12-18 hrs after stopping.

Fluids