Jaundice Flashcards
1
Q
What is the simple definition of jaundice
A
Yellowing if the skin and sclera caused by raised bilirubin levels in the blood
2
Q
What percentage of term and preterm babies get jaundice
A
50-70%
80%
3
Q
When does physiological and pathological jaundice occur
A
Visible after 24 hours
Visible before 24 hours
4
Q
Causes of jaundice
A
Blood group incompatibility Bruising and haemorrhage Polycynthaemia Gastrointestinal defects Metabolic conditions Enzyme deficiencies Cholestasis
5
Q
Risk factors of jaundice
A
Ethnicity (Mediterranean, African and Asian) Drugs Maternal illness Premature babies Male babies Lower birth weight Multiple births Previous babies with jaundice
6
Q
Investigations for jaundice
A
Transcutaneous bilirubin - shine light onto babies skin and calculate level of bilirubin
SBR - blood test, used in preterm babies, babies with high bilirubinometer reading and babies with jaundice in the first 24 hours
Examine all babies within the first 72 hours
7
Q
Investigations for underlying cause
A
SBR Maternal blood group Baby’s blood group Direct antiglobin test Elution rest Full blood examination C reactive protein
8
Q
Treatment
A
Phototherapy
Exchange transfusion
