Jaundice:

Question 1

Jaundice:

Why is it normal to happen?

Answer 1

• short RBC life
• immature liver metabolism
• sterile gut so there is no bacteria to convert conjugated bilirubin to urobilogen so it is reabsorbed

Question 2

Jaundice:

What is normal and not?

Answer 2

Normal:
Physiological jaundice = starts within 7 days of birth and resolved in ≤3 weeks (2 for term, 3 for preterm)

Abnormal:
Early ≤48hrs post birth
Long lasting ≥2 - 3 weeks duration of seemingly physiological jaundice

Question 3

Jaundice:

How to investigate?

Answer 3

Serum bilirubin - conjugated/unconjugated
CBE - blood film
Blood group
Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT)

Question 4

Jaundice:

Causes for different jaundice types?

Answer 4

Conjugated jaundice if ≥15% on serum bilirubin:

• biliary atresia
• choledochal cyst
• hepatitis
• metabolic congenital abnormalities

Unconjugated:

• breast milk
• haemolysis
• polycythaemia
• GIT obstruction
• hypothyroid